Manipuri Films “Matamgi Manipur” and “Sanabi” Added to BA Syllabus at Rabindranath Tagore University, Hojai

The subject of Manipuri films has been introduced in the BA Manipuri course at Rabindranath Tagore University, Hojai, Assam.

In a landmark move, Rabindranath Tagore University, Hojai, Assam has included the subject of Manipuri cinema in its Bachelor of Arts (BA) Manipuri Honours course. From the 2024-25 academic year, students in their fifth semester will study Manipuri films in three detailed units as part of their syllabus.

The course, designed to be taught over 20 sessions, carries 80 marks and covers key topics like the Status of Manipuri Films, Manipuri Documentaries and Short Films, and two iconic films, “Matamgi Manipur” and “Sanabi”.

Established through the Rabindranath Tagore University Act, 2017, the university aims to offer students a deeper understanding of Manipuri cinema, a pivotal cultural aspect of the state.

Matamgi Manipur, the first full-length Manipuri feature film, was screened on April 9, 1972. Directed by Debkumar Bose, scripted by Arambam Samarendra, and produced by Karam Monomohan, the film is a black-and-white masterpiece featuring Gurumayum Ravindra Sharma and Yengkhom Roma in the lead roles.

The film won the President’s Medal at the 20th National Film Awards and is adapted from Samarendra’s theatrical play Tīrtha Yātrā. Every year, April 9 is celebrated as Mami Numit (Cinema Day) in Manipur to commemorate the release of this pioneering film.

Another iconic film, Sanabi (The Grey Mare), directed by the renowned filmmaker Aribam Shyam Sharma Padmashree and written by M.K. Binodini Devi, is also part of the syllabus.

Sanabi won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Manipuri at the 43rd National Film Awards and was selected for the 1996 International Film Festival of India and the Cairo International Film Festival. Originally a short story titled Sagol Sanabi by M.K. Binodini Devi, it was later adapted into a radio play before being made into the acclaimed film.

The course aims to achieve three key learning outcomes, to provide knowledge about the trends and current status of Manipuri films in society, to enlighten students on the importance and impact of Manipuri cinema and to highlight the role of films in promoting Manipuri culture.

By incorporating these films into the syllabus, the university hopes to deepen students’ understanding of the rich cultural heritage and the evolving landscape of Manipuri cinema.

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