Imphal, Aug 16: Hindi cinema found its way back to the screens of strife-torn Manipur after an absence of more than 20 years. The event, a screening of the Bollywood movie “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” unfolded at a makeshift open-air theatre in Churachandpur, capturing the hearts of the local populace.
A large gathering of people came together at Rengkai (Lamka) to witness the Vicky Kaushal-starrer “Uri: The Surgical Strike.” The film’s powerful narrative resonated with the audience, and its screening represented a unique and significant step toward revitalizing cinematic experiences in Manipur.
The screening was masterminded by the Hmar Students Association (HSA), who organized the event as a means to express their opposition to the ban on Hindi movies. This ban was instituted in September 2000 by the ‘Revolutionary People’s Front’ (RPF), a political faction associated with the proscribed People’s Liberation Army—a Meitei terror group based in the valley.
For more than two decades, the local populace had been bereft of cinematic experiences. The enforced ban on Hindi movies by the Meiteis was a lamentable occurrence that halted the cinematic dialogue and cultural exchange that films can offer.
Ginza Vualzong, the spokesperson of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum, shared the significance of the event: “It has been over two decades since a movie was screened in our town. The Meiteis have banned Hindi movies for a long time. Today’s move is to defy the anti-national policies of the Meitei groups and to show our love for India.”
This momentous occasion was further underlined by the HSA’s assertion of their stance against terror groups that have exerted control over the tribal communities for decades. They extended an invitation to all to join their cause, stating, “Join us in taking a pledge to continue our fight for freedom and justice.”
It is noteworthy that the last publicly screened Hindi film in Manipur prior to this was “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” in 1998. The long hiatus in cinematic presentations was a testament to the challenges faced by the region.
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Officials recount the immediate aftermath of the 2000 ban when rebels systematically destroyed thousands of Hindi video and audio cassettes, as well as compact discs, within the span of a week. Although the RPF did not explicitly provide reasons for imposing the ban, cable operators in the region cited concerns over the potential negative impact of Bollywood on the state’s language and culture.
The rekindling of cinematic engagement through the screening of “Uri: The Surgical Strike” not only marks a triumph over long-standing restrictions but also signals the reintegration of Manipur into the larger cultural discourse that films foster. It is a reminder that cinema transcends barriers and can serve as a unifying medium that resonates with audiences across diverse backgrounds.
As the audiences at Rengkai experienced the gripping narrative of bravery and sacrifice depicted in the movie, they also silently celebrated the return of a shared cultural experience—one that defies divisive forces and ushers in an era of renewed cinematic interactions.
