''Saaphabee'' is a 1976
Manipuri film written by Sarangthem Bormani, produced by G. Narayan Sharma and directed by
Aribam Syam Sharma. The film features
Kangabam Tomba and Ngangom (O) Subadani in the lead roles. It was released at Usha Cinema, Paona Bazar on 13 July 1976. The movie won the
National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Manipuri at the
24th National Film Awards
The 24th National Film Awards, presented by Directorate of Film Festivals, the organisation set up by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India to felicitate the best of Indian Cinema released in the year 1976.
Awards
Awards were di ...
. It is based on the famous
Manipuri folk play ''Haorang Leishang Saaphabee''. It is the first Manipuri folk film.
Synopsis
It is the immortal love story of prince Loya Naha Saaphaba, son of Thongnang, the king of
Khuman region and princess Haorang Leishang Saaphabee, daughter of Tabung, king of
Kege region. The film focuses on Kege region and Khuman region settled in opposite side of
Loktak Lake, the biggest fresh water lake in North East India. The two kings are good friends and even swear that their son and daughter shall marry when they grow up. King Tabung does not recognize prince Saaphaba and kills him as he has mistaken him an intruder. Princess Saaphabee also kills herself. Heartbroken Tabung and Thongnang decide to kill themselves in a spear fight to follow them.
Khamnung Kikoi Louonbi, the
ancient Meitei goddess
Sanamahism (Meitei religion) is a polytheistic religion with thousands of deities, gods and goddesses of varying power, quality, features, and character.
The religion originated in the Kingdom of Manipur, and is still practiced in modern Mani ...
of death concealing her appearance in the sky with a thunderous voice stops them in the midst of lighting and thunder. Saaphaba and Saaphabee are seen in the sky proceeding towards the feet of the
Almighty God.
''(Meghachandra Kongbam, Imphal Review of Arts and Politics)''
Cast
*
Kangabam Tomba as Loya Naha Saaphaba
* Laishram ''Ningol'' Ngangom ''Ongbi'' Subadani as Haorang Leishang Saaphabee
* Manbi as Saaphabee's mother
* N. Tombi as Tabung, King of Kege region, Saaphabee's father
* Soraisam Keshoram as Thongnang, King of Khuman region, Saaphaba's father
*
Kshetrimayum Rashi
Kshetrimayum Rashi (''full name:'' Kshetrimayum Ningol Lairellakpam Ongbi Rashi, born March 1950) is an Indian actress from Imphal, Manipur, who worked in theatre and Manipuri films. She was introduced into the world of theatre by her mother Ras ...
as Saaphabee's friend
* Heisnam Ongbi Indu as Saaphabee's friend
* Babu
* Shanti
* Gouri
* Open
Soundtrack
Aribam Syam Sharma composed the soundtrack for the film and Konsaba Ibochou and G. Joykumar Sharma wrote the lyrics. The movie has four songs sung by Aheibam Syam Sharma, Arambam Jamuna and Khun Joykumar.
References
External links
*
* {{cite web , url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YIRq-zo08k , title=Saaphabee Full Movie , first= , last=Aribam Syam Sharma Archives , date= , publisher= , accessdate=7 May 2021 , via=YouTube
1976 films
Meitei-language films
Meitei folklore in popular culture
Meitei mythology in popular culture
Indian black-and-white films
Films directed by Aribam Syam Sharma