Maipak, Son of Manipur : The first Manipuri film

Rajmani Ayekpam *

Mr Maipak

The legendary body builder of Manipur, Shri Nongthombam Maipak Singh, Mr. India, died on 20th November, 2023. There were so much outpouring of grief in media about his death with press notes, obituaries, and articles in newspapers, electronic media and even in social media also.

But, non-mentioned it that the ten minutes documentary film, 'Maipak, Son of Manipur' was the first Manipuri film. The film was based on his achievement of winning Mr India title (1970) and participation in the Mr Universe (1971) at Paris. The writer of this article, as a lover of Manipuri film, has decided to write this article to remind this important event in the history of Manipur.

Most of the cine goers, public and even scholars of this State thought that 'Matamgi Manipur' was the first film of Manipur. However, this documentary film was screened at Pratap Talkies, Imphal in the month of November, 1971 but 'Matamgi Manipur' was premiered in the month of April, 1972.

One fact is that 'Maipak, Son of Manipur' was not only the first Manipuri film but also the first documentary film of Manipur while 'Matamgi Manipur' was the first Manipuri feature film of Manipur. The first may not judge the genre of film. 'Workers Leaving the Loumiere Factory' (1895) produced by Loumiere Brothers recognized as the first film of the world, was a documentary film. The film was screened at a hotel in Paris.

Journey of Manipuri film began in the early part of seventies of the last century but its endeavour began much earlier. Some enthusiastic cine lovers of Manipur attempted to produce the popular play of Rupmahal Theatre, 'Mainu Pemcha' in celluloid format at around 1948. Attempt was made to produce the film in Hindi language targeting a larger audience. After shooting seven reels, the attempt was abandoned due to financial constraints.

However, one interesting thing was that Guru Amubi, doyen of Manipuri classical dance, participated in 'Kalpana' film in the year 1948 produced by famous Uday Shanker. The film was a Hindi film purely done in dance format. Mahabir Singh, an obedient disciple of Guru Amubi, also participated in the Hindi film.

MK Priyobarta Singh and K Ibohal Sharma of X-Cine also shot some documentary films at their own personal level. Unfortunately, such documentary film didn't come into public limelight. So, these films may not count as first films of Manipur. But, it's our duty to remember these efforts also.

'Maipak, Son of Manipur' was coming out in public domain with censor certificate from authority concerned. So, Maipak, Son of Manipur was recognized as the first Manipuri film of Manipur. Another interesting thing was that the director of the film, Debakumar Bose and producer, K Monomohan Singh, was the same director and producer of both films ie Maipak, Son of Manipur and Matamgi Manipur.

In the midst of the shooting of Matamgi Manipur at Calcutta (now Kolkata), the idea of producing this documentary film crept into the mind of producer suddenly. He sensed the importance of this historical event. Then, he initiated for producing this documentary film to the production team of Matamgi Manipur.

He sent Lokendra Arambam, an important person of this production team, to Imphal to pick up Maipak and return to Calcutta with Maipak. There was some problem during shooting owing to Maipak's language problem. However, Lokendra Arambam helped Maipak during shooting. This documentary film was done in Manipuri and English voice narration.

After completing shooting of this documentary film and getting censor certificate from the concerned authority, Maipaik, Son of Manipur was screened for the first time at Pratap Talkies, Imphal on 9th November, 1971. The screening of this film created a huge impact on both local audience and film circle of Manipur. Besides, it was a historical event of Manipur.

Nongthonbam Maipak : Mr. Maipak (Bodybuilder) :: Pix - Hueiyen Lanpao

There was so much of excitement among Manipuri audience about this film. This ten minute documentary film was screened before the normal screening of a feature film mostly Hindi or Bollywood films in those days. Many audiences who witnessed the film, expressed they did booking of ticket two or three times in order to glimpse this ten minute documentary film.

It deserves to remember the two important persons i.e. (L) Laishram Manaobi Singh, Proprietor of Friends Talkies, Imphal and (L) Laishram Joychandra Singh, Editor, Prajatantra for their invaluable support to Maipak's participation at Mr Universe.

They organized many programmes and events for fund collection to bear expenditure for Maipak's participation at Mr Universe. Even, body building show of Maipak was organized at Mapal Kangjeibung in between football match of CC Meet. One important person worth to remember was Montosh Roy, former Mr Universe from India. He accompanied as a Manager for Maipak at Mr Universe.

Movement of body building culture in Manipur began much earlier during around in the year 1950 of the last century by late Sagolshem Indramani. He was a pioneer of body building culture in Manipur. He introduced not only body building culture among youths but also introduced the idea of beauty contest among girls. Exercise of yoga also added to his movement.

Body building movement initiated by Sagoshem Indramani and historic event of Maipak's achievement in Mr India and Mr Universe inspired many youths of the State to take up body building as their profession or hobby.

Now-a-days, many good body builders are coming up who can win laurels at National and international level.

Even, body builders from this State can win Mr World many times. Body building can also able to get jobs for Manipuri youth in many sectors like Railways, Army and others. 'Health is wealth' is a mantra for this modern world. So, Government encouraged to establish many health and wellness centre at many parts of the country.

Maipak, Son of Manipur will remain in the minds of this tiny State for a long time as an important historical event of Manipur.