"Oitharei" bags best feature film at MANIFA 2025
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, September 21 2025: The 12th edition of the Manipuri Film Awards (MANIFA) 2025, jointly organised by Thouna Manipur and Film Forum Manipur (FFM), was held on Saturday at the Central Public Hall, Kakching Sanggai Lampak, with "Oitharei", produced by Gibanlata Thokchom and directed by Dinesh Naorem winning the Best Feature Film Award.

The MANIFA Awards had been put on hold for over two years due to the violence in the State since May, 2023 .

This years' event included entries from CBFC certificate holders between January 2023 and December 2024 .

"Oitharei" bags best feature film at MANIFA 2025

The award ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including Manipur University of Culture, Vice-Chancellor Professor Paonam Gunindro; Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Director Pukhrambam Bilash; Film Forum Manipur chairman Kh Kuleswar; Thouna Manipur president Yengkhom Nilachandra; and Kakching AC MLA.

Mayanglambam Rameshwar, who attended as presidium members.

The evening opened with the presentation of three lifetime achievement awards.

Laipubam Bino Devi received the Maipak Sanahal Manipuri Jagoi Lifetime Mana; Akoijam Bengol (AK Bengol) was honoured with the Neta Irawat Leelaroi Lifetime Mana (Shumang Leela); and Ayekpam Ningol Chongtham Kamala Devi received the Neta Irawat Leelaroi Lifetime Mana (Manipuri Cinema).

Other major winners included Ratana Kshetrimayum (Best Actor in Supporting Role (Female) for 'Yahouthengba Khoimu'); Dumba Kshetrimayum (Best Actor in Supporting Role (Male) for 'Mangalsana"); Dabo Wangkheimayum (Best Make-up for 'Sunita'); Nganthoi Luwang (Best Costume for 'Sunita'); OC Meira (Best Lyricist 'Ngamnaba Lanfamse'); Loijingkhombi Thongam (Best Playback Singer (female) for the song 'Mangal Ama...."Sunita'); Dipu Khunung (Best Playback Singer (male) for the song 'Liklu Ngangkoi Pareng....'Khomlang Laman'); Nanao Sogolmang (Best Music Director 'Khomlang Laman'); Raju Mutum (Best Background Score 'Oitharei'); Nabapan Deka (Best Audiographer 'Sunita'); Puinabati Thongam (Best Art Director 'Sunita'); Laishram Lamnganbi (Best Child Artiste 'Lanfamse'); Nihal Bhandari (Best Cinematography 'Sunita'); Hiranmoy Gogoi (Best Editing 'Sunita'); Lambamayum Premchan (Best Screenplay 'Oitharei') .

The Special Jury Award (Non Feature) was presented to Maibam Brajeshwari and Th Debendro for 'The Legacy of Four Generations', Special Jury Award (Feature Film) was presented to Billa Ngathem for the film 'Mangalsana'; and Special Mention Award to Huidrom Nowboy, Kumarjit Ngangbam, H Bigyani, and Ksh Priyobarta.

Best Actor in Leading Role (female) was won by Narmada Shougaijam; and Suraj Ngasepam picked the Best Actor in Leading Role (Male); while the Best Story goes to Lambamayum Premcha for the film "Oitharei" and Dinesh Naorem winning the Best Direction for the the film "Oitharei" .