Apaiba Leichil

Apaiba Leichil (English: Flurry Clouds) is a 2021 Manipuri film directed by Bobby Wahengbam.^[1] It is jointly produced by Wahengbam Tomba, Hanjabam Sobhananda (Bung) Sharma and Bobby Wahengbam under the banner of Third Eye Productions.^[2] The film is based on the short story Nungshibagi Saklon (Nungsitombi) by Rajmani Ayekpam. It stars Bishesh Huirem and Arun Yumnam in the lead roles.^[3][4][5] The film won three awards at the 14th Manipur State Film Awards 2022.^[6][7][8] It got official selections at the 18th International Film Festival of Thrissur 2023, Kerala and Kashish International Queer Film Festival 2023, Mumbai.^[9] The movie was screened at the Sangai Film Festival 2022, which was organised as a part of the Manipur Sangai Festival.^{[10][11][12][13]}

Apaiba Leichil
Poster
Directed by	Bobby Wahengbam
Screenplay by	Bobby Wahengbam Manorama Meinam
Story by	Rajmani Ayekpam
Produced by	Wahengbam Tomba Hanjabam Sobhananda Sharma Bobby Wahengbam
Starring	Arun Yumnam Bishesh Huirem
Cinematography	Irom Maipak Bobo Devdharshan Tomal
Edited by	R.K. Lalmani
Music by	Jeetenkumar Naorem Kokobi
Production company	Third Eye
Release date	2021 (2021)
Running time	109 minutes
Country	India
Language	Meiteilon (Manipuri)

The film shows the conditions of the Nupi Sabis (Meitei for 'transgender people') in Manipur. It shows one Nupi Sabi becoming popular in the Shumang Kumhei troupe but whether the popularity of Nupi Sabis is related to their personal romantic life and social outlook is not properly known.

Cast

• Yumnam Arun
• Bishesh Huirem
• Naoba
• Laimayum Nirmala
• Jenny
• Rohit
• Heisnam Geeta
• Nunglen Luwang
• Reshmina

Accolades

Bishesh Huirem bagged the Best Actor Award at the 14th Manipur State Film Awards 2022.^[14][15] With this, Huirem became the first transgender person to win the award.^[16][17]

Award	Category	Winner's name	Result
14th Manipur State Film Awards 2022	Best Actor	Bishesh Huirem	Won
	Best Editor	R.K. Lalmani	Won
	Special Mention	Bobby Wahengbam	Won
5th Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards 2023	Jury Special Mention	Bishesh Huirem	Won

See also

• List of Meitei-language films

References

1. "Manipur Film Awards: Bishesh Huirem becomes first transgender to win best actor award". Indian Express. 9 April 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
2. "Being transgender is not a choice Manipur actor recalls journey to recognition". www.zee5.com. 25 April 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
3. "Acclaimed Manipuri actress Bishesh Huirem opens up about being transgender, says it is not a choice". Times of India. 25 April 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
4. "Governor distributes film awards". The Sangai Express. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
5. "Bishesh Huirem becomes first transgender to be honoured with state film award". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
6. "Manipur actor Bishesh Huirem recalls journey to recognition: 'Being transgender is not a choice'". www.firstpost.com. 25 April 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
7. "14th Manipur State Film Award, 2022 Winners announced - April 03 2022". e-pao.net. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
8. "14th Manipur State Film Awards conferred, Governor vows possible support for Cinema's growth". nenow.in. 9 April 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
9. "Apaiba Leichil". The Sangai Express. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
10. "Sangai Film Festival opens; to screen 15 films". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
11. "Sangai Film Festival 2022 underway". e-pao.net. Retrieved 8 October 2024 – via Chronicle News Service.
12. James Khangembam. "The Sangai Film Festival, 2022". e-pao.net. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
13. "Sangai Festival 2022: Stage set for five-day free Sangai film festival". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
14. Ratika Rana (11 April 2022). "Bishesh Huirem Becomes First Transgender To Win Best Actor In Manipur Film Awards". Retrieved 3 May 2022.
15. "In pics: Guv distributes 14th Manipur State Film Awards 2022". www.eastmojo.com. 9 April 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
16. "14th Manipur State Film Award: Romi Meitei's 'Eikhoigi Yum' Wins Best Feature Film, Bishesh Huirem Wins Best Actor (Transgender)". hynews.in. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
17. "Manipur Film Awards: Bishesh Huirem becomes first transgender to win best actor award". urimuri.com. Retrieved 3 May 2022.^{[permanent dead link‍]}

External links

• Apaiba Leichil at IMDb