How a personal tragedy shaped Manipur film “Oneness”
A report describes how the film “Oneness,” set around a queer love story, was built from private memories and research, including diaries and accounts from the
Long before Priyakanta Laishram’s film Oneness became widely discussed and acclaimed, the story behind it was not part of public debate. The tragedy that inspired the film was kept mostly within families and close circles. It lived on as private grief, whispered conversations and personal memories, rather than major headlines or public campaigns.
More than a decade later, the film is described as an effort to recover a story that had nearly disappeared. The central character, Ivan Martin, is said to be based on a real young man, though his identity is deliberately not disclosed in the film’s narrative. Accounts shared during the research reportedly describe him as being about eighteen, studying at a school near Imphal after moving from a hill district.
Memories kept by a close family confidant
People close to the young man remembered him as quiet, gentle and thoughtful. One of the most important sources for the film’s development was reportedly his cousin, described as having a particularly close bond with him. The cousin was also said to have a strong relationship with the young man’s mother and sister, which positioned her as one of the family’s closest confidants.
Through these recollections, the film’s makers reportedly built a fuller picture than common stereotypes. The young man was described as soft-spoken but not overly effeminate, with quiet confidence despite facing scrutiny due to difference. Specific personal details also shaped the character, including the way he kept his hair long and styled it with front bangs, along with an interest in makeup. The report says the cousin helped him purchase small cosmetic items on several occasions.
A love story drawn from remembered connection
The film’s emotional core is the relationship between Ivan and Pamheiba Hijam, played by Suraj Ngashepam. According to the accounts mentioned in the report, Ivan’s bond with his boyfriend—described as a senior at his school—was genuine and deeply meaningful. The report also says that years later, the boyfriend reportedly continued to carry the memory of that relationship.
The film’s journey to the screen is linked to events in 2020. During the summer of 2020, the cousin reportedly contacted Laishram through Instagram. At that time, Laishram had gained visibility in Manipur through his talk show series Upclose With Priyakanta Laishram, which had covered difficult social topics, including queer experiences and discrimination. The report adds that Laishram’s research involved accessing personal diaries written by the young man in the years before the tragedy, supporting the reconstruction of the story behind Oneness.
