Production has commenced on acclaimed Manipuri filmmaker Priyakanta Laishram’s latest live-action short film, INTERLUDE. The film went on floors on August 8, 2025, in Manipur and is currently in principal photography. A contemplative and deeply human-centred narrative, INTERLUDE is rooted in the contemporary socio-political landscape of the state, exploring lives altered by conflict and displacement.
The film stars Narmada Shougaijam and Baggee Tonjam in lead roles, alongside child actor Thingnam Parihanba and a strong supporting cast featuring Rajkumari Sorojini, Ramva Leishangthem, Atom Ramesh, Sushma Kshetrimayum, Biswajit Saikia, and Harendra Laishram, among others.
Significantly, INTERLUDE marks Laishram’s return solely as a director, stepping away from acting to focus entirely on storytelling. After years of balancing both performance and direction, this creative decision signals a new chapter in his career.
Set against the backdrop of Manipur’s ongoing unrest and the struggles of internally displaced communities, INTERLUDE reflects on human perception and empathy across ideological and social divides.
“INTERLUDE subtly echoes the emotional and psychological landscapes shaped by present tensions in the region, while focusing on how individuals perceive ‘the other side’, filtered through their lived experiences, inherited beliefs, and personal truths,” Laishram said. “Rather than taking a direct political stance, the film sensitively examines fractured human connections and the layered understandings that emerge within conflict.”
Narmada Shougaijam, last seen in Sunita (2024), recently won Best Actress (Female) at the 17th Manipur State Film Awards 2025 and Best Actress Northeast at the Prag Cine Awards 2025. Laishram was also honoured with the Best Director Northeast Award at the same ceremony, underscoring his growing influence on regional cinema. INTERLUDE also marks Baggee Tonjam’s debut in a live-action short.
Written and directed by Laishram, the film follows his critically acclaimed feature ONENESS, which earned him the Special Jury Award at the 17th Manipur State Film Awards. INTERLUDE is jointly produced by Roushil Singla and Laishram under Priyakanta Productions, marking the banner’s 10th cinematic venture.
The technical crew features some of Manipur’s finest talents, including Wangkhem Tarun (Tarun Wang) as Director of Photography, Caroline Laishram (Label Caroline Laishram) as Costume Designer, and Punil Hiyang as Location Sound Recordist. The production team is further strengthened by Jessica Laishram as First Assistant Director and Keisham Brigesh as First Assistant Cinematographer.
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