TODAY -

SN Chand : The father of Manipuri cinema
- Part 1 -

Meghachandra Kongbam *

 Brojendragi Luhongba
Brojendragi Luhongba



"He sold his own saleable properties and even mortgaged his homestead property. He left a Government job. If the Brojendragi Luhongba was made in a studio, it could be completed early and marked as the first Manipuri film. But SN Chand didn't like the studio made film. He strongly believed in the realistic approach of the New Indian Cinema movement while making his first film"

Brojendragi Luhongba

MAKING A FILM in Manipur was then considered a distant dream owing to the poor economy, the meagre population and the limited audience. It needed huge investment, manpower and all the resources, besides engaging crew members and equipment from outside the State.

Finding its market was beyond imagination. Bollywood movies had also flooded all the cinema halls numbering less than 15 in the State and the Manipuri audience were already engrossed in Bollywood movies- its story, stars and songs.

During the latter part of the 1960s and the beginning of 1970s – when the Indian film industry was at its zenith, and the New Indian Cinema also emerged- there was a strong feeling and urge among the people of Manipur who were in the field of theatre and allied arts to have their own films.

There was a strong film movement in Manipur created by the Film Society of Manipur established in 1966 and registered in 1969, the lone organization in the State and the third film society in North East India after Shillong Film Society and Guwahati Cine Club in Assam. And among the eminent personalities of theatre and allied arts, Sapam Nadiachand (1935-1989) aka SN Chand belonged to that era.

A multifaceted personality, SN Chand was the first Manipuri film director in Manipuri cinema when he completed his feature film Brojendragi Luhongba (Brojendra's Marriage) in the year 1972.

Armed with the knowledge of Italian neo-realism and the 'New Wave' of Indian Cinema, he picked up the short story penned by Dr Lamabam Kamal (1899-1935), the yesteryear's great poet of Manipur to make the film. And he sowed the seed of the 'New Indian Cinema' in Manipur.

Like Dhundiraj Govind Phalke in making the first Indian film- Raja Harishchandra in 1913 and Jyoti Prasad Agrawala in making the first Assamese film- Joymati in 1935, SN Chand was also a one-man army shouldering various important responsibilities of producer, director, screenplay writer, dialogue writer, lyricist, playback singer, music director and the leading actor when there were no basic amenities available to make a film.

Early Life

Born on August 8, 1935 at Singjamei Mayengbam Leikai in Imphal, to Sapam Marei and Sapam Ibemcha, SN Chand inherited an abiding interest in music and performing arts from his parents who were in their own right, patrons of Manipuri traditional culture. But music was his first love.

He studied classical music at Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith, Lucknow from where he passed Sangeet Visharad and Sangeet Nipun. His interest in the performing arts led him into association with premier Manipuri theatre groups like Rupmahal Theatre, Manipur Dramatic Union and Leimayol Arts Centre.

He served as a Hindi Translator at the Imphal Station of the All India Radio in 1965. He wrote lyrics, sang modern songs and composed music for several classical and modern songs, anchored many programmes and rendered background dialogues for AIR, Imphal.

He was established as a good anchor in 'Fauj' programme, a musical programme format where songs are played only from the request received from military personnel in Hindi of the All India Radio, Imphal. He was a man of many faces and a real artist.

Venturing Into Film

Though engaged in other art forms and involved in the promotion of Manipuri culture, his only dream was to make films. An active member of the Film Society of Manipur founded by Hijam Romani in 1966, SN Chand learned filmmaking from great movies, books and visited film studios in Kolkata and Mumbai. While he was serving at AIR, Imphal, he went to Bombay to do cosmetic surgery on his face to suit the leading man in the film.

Screenplay writing is not an easy task. Apart from having a thorough knowledge of film craft, he or she has to know the intricacies to develop characters, create plots, and come up with dialogues and actions. SN Chand took on the challenging task and made an amazing screenplay of Brojendragi Luhong-ba adapted from the 800- word short story.

He added two main characters of maternal uncle and father of the bride in his screenplay, which was not found in the original text of the short story. He developed an important scene of Chura- chandpur, the place of posting of Brojendra. He established the contemporary situations in his screenplay to suit the audience.

He sold his own saleable properties and even mortgaged his homestead property. He left the Government job. Hijam Romani, President of Film Society of Manipur opposed his decision to quit the permanent post of AIR, Imphal. But, he always dreamt of making a Manipuri film. And his only dream was accomplished in 1970 when he launched his film production house–Sajatiya Pictures Private Limited–at his home at Singjamei Mayengbam Leikai in Imphal. He engaged technicians and hired film equipment from Calcutta for the production.

In the summer of 1971, he along with his crew members took shots for three important sequences of his film at the historic Ningthem Pukhri, the big royal pond dug out during the reign of King Pamheiba (1709-1748). During the whole day shooting, the crews took the panoramic shot of the pond where lotuses were blooming for credit titles.

The shot continued with Brojendra's maternal uncle coming towards Brojendra's house after meeting an astrologer to fix the suitable date of the marriage ceremony. This was the opening scene of the film. The other sequence was Brojendra's arrival at his home after getting posted in Churachandpur.

There were two shots – a long shot of a lighted jeep coming towards Brojendra's house and a mid-shot of Brojendra getting down from the jeep. The last sequence at the location was Brojendra's Point of View shot at a double storeyed house illuminated inside, which revealed the place where 'Bashok' (a popular form of Nata Sankirtana) performance took place.

The last two sequences were captured during the night. People from distant places and nearby areas thronged the place to have a glimpse of the outdoor shooting of the Manipuri film. This writer was also in the audience. 'The shooting of the film was of the first Manipuri feature film' and 'the nose of the hero of the film had a cosmetic surgery' were the talks of the audience during the shooting.

With great difficulties and against all odds, he continued with the process of making the film. However, he could not complete his film within the scheduled time due to financial problems.

Some of the prominent locations he featured in his film include Churachandpur to depict the hill station and the tribal lifestyle, the old palace of Canchipur, the residence of the Khaidem Family at Uripok and other sites of historical significance and cultural importance.


To be continued...


* Meghachandra Kongbam wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on May 11 2022 .



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • Yaingakpa, Renglien, Thariktha : eMing
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • From Earth Day to World Environment Day
  • COVID-19: Update 13 June 2025 : Manipur
  • JJM brings clean drinking water to CCpur
  • M.Tech CSE Admission at Assam University
  • Save your nails from damage this summer
  • No takers for Moreh cops' distress call
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Implement Hill Areas (Chief Rights) Act 1967
  • Manipur fields shape India sport future
  • How to Speak Soft and Still Win
  • Thokchom Khoiba : mosquito killer machine
  • Looking for wealthy groom, question you too
  • When is the net ban going to be lifted
  • Stir speculations nix school reopening plan
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Fire safety: preventive measures
  • Peculiar plants & incidents unique to Manipur
  • Artificial Intelligence & environment
  • Cutting off the nose to spite the face
  • Relief for daily wagers as shutdown called off
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • The question of territorial integrity of Manipur
  • Animal Farm's allegory in dynamics of Manipur
  • Their hands deserve books, not burdens
  • JNV empowers Tamenglong students
  • We can do better- people with HIV live healthy
  • Bandh: The Cry Beneath the Silence :: Poem
  • Cutting short 240 hours general strike
  • Shutdown lifted, curfew eased, mobile ban
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Review of 'Rain Stopping in Manipur'
  • Highway blockades trigger soaring prices
  • Voice of the Masses :: Poem
  • Congress may claim if none
  • Learning new skills related to AI
  • Delhi, Raj Bhavan: Losing the plot ?
  • CBI arrest after Governor clemency assurance
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • Appeals Home Minister not to renew SoO
  • Self-defence :: Poem
  • When will humans learn nature's lessons ?
  • Forgotten voices of drug users in Manipur
  • High-yielding RC Manichakhao-1
  • PC Editorial Blank Space : June 09 2025
  • TSE Editorial Blank Space : June 09 2025
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Micromanager vs Leader
  • Valedictory Function of NE NSS Festival
  • WED at various campuses in Manipur
  • World Environment Day 2025
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • Sarangthem Nirupama at Miss Universe India
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025