Bobo Khuraijam's Ima Savitri - Manipuri documentary film

Movie Corner *

Heisnam Sabitri - Padmashree Recipient (Theatre) :: Pix Courtesy - Heisnam Kanhailal/ Heisnam Sabitri

Bobo Khuraijam's Ima Savitri
Submitted by: Y. Dimpy, Movie Corner, MitSna.

Ima Sabitri showcased the life of a performing arts wizard, Heisnam Savitri, of Kalashetra Manipur. In the director’s words, the film is an observational documentary, and he manifests it in its most authentic form.

Across the film, we observe the creative journey of how an artist gains inspiration and incorporates scenes from real life to play, the rigorous training session and extensive rehearsals to bring a theatrical play to life, and the sheer form of respect between the artiste.

Ima Savitri’s husband, Heisnam Kanhailal, is a renowned theatre director; their relationship intertwined in both sound and challenging times of the artistic and personal journey. Ima balances her role as a supporting and caregiving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and teacher with absolute grace.

As a performer, she immersed herself and wore her character imbibing every emotion with utmost dedication. The scenes in the film from Ima’s play touched every note of our senses and left us feeling almost surreal.

The craft is rooted in her soul, and her presence gives us a warm sensation, almost feeling safe, displaying the aura of a mother figure to which everyone refers.

She does not shy away from portraying society’s miseries and brutal reality through her art; the truth society wants to sweep under the rug. Even in such old age, we can still see the passion in her eyes and her childlike energy when she performs.

The film is about co-dependence, living together in harmony and unison, mending flaws, and aiding each other.

Acknowledging the craft and being aware of it is what we, the new generation, can do so that people no longer remain ignorant of such beautiful humans living among us and carry on with the legacy of Manipur’s theatrical voyage.

On a final note, the film makes you feel alive and humane. In today’s fake world , seeing Ima’s pure soul lifts and inspires you to pave your own path.