Etinpham - Manipuri Feature Film Synopsis
Binoranjan *
Etinpham - Manipuri Feature Film
Plot:
ETINPHAM is an emotionally charged social drama about sacrifice, dignity, and a son’s journey to redeem his family in a society quick to judge and slow to forgive.
Leipaklei, a woman in her 60s, lives a life of silent suffering. Despite her age, she works hard daily becoming the sole bread earner of her broken family. Her husband Tomchou, consumed by alcoholism, brings nothing but violence and shame into their home. Leipaklei endures the abuse not out of weakness, but out of fierce love for her children.
Malem, her only son, grows up scarred by his father’s cruelty. Now 29, he works relentlessly to protect his family and support his younger sister’s education. His only emotional anchors are Thoiba, a loyal friend who stands by the family in every crisis, and Langlen, his childhood friend and secret love, who comes from a wealthy background. Ashamed of his poverty and past, Malem keeps his feelings buried.
One night, after a bitter confrontation, Tomchou dies due to drunk and drown. Instead of sympathy, Malem faces the worst fate imaginable being accused of murdering his own father. Led by Tomchou’s brother, relatives and villagers turn against Leipaklei and Malem. Malem is arrested and even denied the right to perform his father’s funeral rites, a humiliation that breaks him from within.
With the courage of Langlen and the tireless efforts of Thoiba, the truth surfaces and Malem is released. Though legally free, social stigma clings to him. Determined to rise above disgrace, Malem rebuilds his family, takes up honest work, and gives Leipaklei the rest she never had.
Just as hope returns, Leipaklei is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Malem sacrifices everything to save her, but fate remains cruel. Leipaklei dies peacefully, proud of the man her son has become. This time, Malem lights the funeral pyre with dignity, honoring his mother’s lifelong sacrifice. The film ends with Malem moving forward, scarred yet unbroken, carrying his mother’s legacy of love and resilience.
Film is set to be released in the year 2026 in Imphal.
Etinpham - Manipuri Feature Film
Main Casts:
Lalitabi Longjam as Leipaklei
Suraj Ngaseppam as Malem
Billa Ngathem as Langlen
Seywa Nimai as Leipaklei’s Husband
Ratan Leitanthem as Leipaklei’s brother in law
Benu Ayekpam as Leipaklei’s sister in law
Prasanta Oinam as Thoiba
Tompok Oinam as young Malem
Etinpham - Manipuri Feature Film
Crew:
Editor: Alam Thani
Cinematography: Naresh Takhellambam
Make-up: Gulla Sanjembam
Costume: Bishorjit Ningthoujam
Post- production: Next Image Imphal
Producer: Gulla Sanjembam
Asst Directors: Nilakanta Thokchom, Kanta Moirangthem
Writer & Director: Binoranjan Oinam
Under the banner of Oinam Bros Pictures
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* Binoranjan wrote this article for e-pao.net
The writer can be contacted at binoranjan(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was webcasted on January 23 2026.
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