Saaphabee

Saaphabee is a 1976 Manipuri film written by Sarangthem Bormani, produced by G. Narayan Sharma and directed by Aribam Syam Sharma.^[1][2][3] The film features Kangabam Tomba and Ngangom (O) Subadani in the lead roles.^[4] It was released at Usha Cinema, Paona Bazar on 13 July 1976.^[5] The movie won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Manipuri at the 24th National Film Awards.^[6][7] It is based on the famous Manipuri folk play Haorang Leishang Saaphabee.^[8] It is the first Manipuri folk film.^[9][10]

Saaphabee
Official Poster
Directed by	Aribam Syam Sharma
Screenplay by	Sarangthem Bormani
Story by	Sarangthem Bormani
Produced by	G. Narayan Sharma
Starring	Kangabam Tomba Ngangom (O) Subadani
Cinematography	Deojibhai Padhiar
Edited by	Madhusudan Banerjee
Music by	Aribam Syam Sharma
Production company	N.S. Films
Distributed by	N.S. Films
Release date	13 July 1976 (1976-07-13)
Running time	116 minutes
Country	India
Language	Meiteilon (Manipuri)

Synopsis

It is the immortal love story of prince Loya Naha Saaphaba, son of Thongnang, the king of Khuman region and princess Haorang Leishang Saaphabee, daughter of Tabung, king of Kege region. The film focuses on Kege region and Khuman region settled in opposite side of Loktak Lake, the biggest fresh water lake in North East India. The two kings are good friends and even swear that their son and daughter shall marry when they grow up. King Tabung does not recognize prince Saaphaba and kills him as he has mistaken him an intruder. Princess Saaphabee also kills herself. Heartbroken Tabung and Thongnang decide to kill themselves in a spear fight to follow them. Khamnung Kikoi Louonbi, the ancient Meitei goddess of death concealing her appearance in the sky with a thunderous voice stops them in the midst of lightning and thunder. Saaphaba and Saaphabee are seen in the sky proceeding towards the feet of the Almighty God.

(Meghachandra Kongbam, Imphal Review of Arts and Politics)

Cast

• Kangabam Tomba as Loya Naha Saaphaba
• Laishram Ningol Ngangom Ongbi Subadani as Haorang Leishang Saaphabee
• Manbi as Saaphabee's mother
• N. Tombi as Tabung, King of Kege region, Saaphabee's father
• Soraisam Keshoram as Thongnang, King of Khuman region, Saaphaba's father
• Kshetrimayum Rashi as Saaphabee's friend
• Heisnam Ongbi Indu as Saaphabee's friend
• Babu
• Shanti
• Gouri
• Open

Soundtrack

Aribam Syam Sharma composed the soundtrack for the film and Konsaba Ibochou and G. Joykumar Sharma wrote the lyrics.^[11] The movie has four songs sung by Aheibam Syam Sharma, Arambam Jamuna and Khun Joykumar.^[12]

Saaphabee
Soundtrack album by Aheibam Syam Sharma, Arambam Jamuna, Khun Joykumar
Released	1976
Genre	Feature film soundtrack
Length	18:19
Label	N.S. Films
Producer	G. Narayan Sharma

No.	Title	Singer(s)	Length
1.	"Mapok Langol Khudingda"	Aheibam Shyam Sharma, Arambam Jamuna	04:39
2.	"Eidi Pakhang Shareeni"	Khun Joykumar	04:06
3.	"Khoyumgumna Saklotpa"	Arambam Jamuna Devi	04:28
4.	"Ngasi Korou Nongjada"	Aheibam Syam Sharma, Arambam Jamuna	05:06
Total length:			18:19

References

1. "Aribam Syam Sharma | IFFR". iffr.com. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
2. Laithangbam, Iboyaima; Kongbam, Meghachandra (16 December 2021). "Indigenous people will become strangers in their own lands: Aribam Syam Sharma". The Hindu.
3. "Aribam Syam Film". www.e-pao.net. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
4. "Saphabee (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
5. "'HELLOY' Between conscious and sub-consciousness: A film by G. Narayan Sharma". www.e-pao.net. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
6. "Manipuri feature film bags national award after 12 years". kanglaonline.com. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
7. Festival. "Aribam Syam Sharma - Festival des Cinémas d'Asie de Vesoul". www.cinemas-asie.com (in French). Retrieved 21 April 2021.
8. MEGHACHANDRA KONGBAM (27 February 2021). "Aribam Syam Sharma: A Genius in the World of Indian Cinema". imphalreviews.in.
9. Meghachandra Kongbam (31 March 2014). "Manipuri Cinema : Multiple Facets". communicationtoday.net. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
10. "Saaphabee (1976)". moviebuff.com.
11. "Saaphabee Songs: Saaphabee MP3 Manipuri Songs by Arambam Jamuna Online Free on Gaana.com". Retrieved 21 April 2021.
12. "Saaphabee (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Amazon.com". Amazon. Retrieved 16 December 2021.

External links

• Saaphabee at IMDb
• Aribam Syam Sharma Archives (4 November 2017). "Saaphabee Full Movie". Retrieved 7 May 2021 – via YouTube.