‘Yahouthengba Khoimu’ Secures Top Honors at All India Film Festival, Earns National Recognition

A Manipuri feature film, ‘Yahouthengba Khoimu’, has garnered significant acclaim in the national film circuit, securing top awards at a major festival and earning selections at prestigious showcases across India. The film’s recent success underscores the growing presence and artistic merit of regional cinema on the national stage.

Award Recognition at All India Film Festival

The film, titled Yahouthengba Khoimu, achieved a significant milestone at the All India Film Festival 2024-25. During this prominent event, the Manipuri feature was distinguished with two major accolades: the Best Feature Film Award and the esteemed Cinematic Brilliance Award. The festival, organized by the Cine Society based in West Bengal, Kolkata, serves as a key platform for recognizing cinematic talent from across the country. ‘Yahouthengba Khoimu’ is directed by the filmmaker Rakesh Naorem and produced by Dr. RK Nayansana. Notably, the Cinematic Brilliance Award was shared, with ‘Yahouthengba Khoimu’ receiving the honor alongside the Hindi feature film Bread & Butter, which was directed by Julee Jasmin. This dual recognition highlights the film’s exceptional artistic and technical qualities, placing it among the best cinematic productions of the festival year.

Presence on the Festival Circuit

Beyond its triumph in Kolkata, ‘Yahouthengba Khoimu’ has also made its mark on other notable film festivals. The film received an official selection for screening at the International Film Festival of Telangana 2025. This festival is organized by the All India Film Maker Association, Telangana, headquartered in Hyderabad. The selection facilitated a public screening of the film, which was scheduled to take place on February 16 at precisely 5:00 PM. The venue for this particular screening was the Hyderabad Press Club, offering attendees in the region an opportunity to experience the acclaimed Manipuri production.

Regional Showcase in Imphal

The film’s recognition extended closer to home with its showcase at the 2nd Northeast India Film Festival 2025. This festival was held in Imphal, providing a platform to highlight cinematic works from the region. The event spanned several days, running from February 12 to 16. It received substantial support from national governmental bodies, being sponsored by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). ‘Yahouthengba Khoimu’ was included in the festival’s programming and was screened on February 13 at 6:00 PM. This specific screening took place at the Tanthapolis Auditorium, located in Lamphel, Imphal. The film was presented as part of the festival’s Non-Competitive Section, emphasizing its showcase value within the regional film landscape. The screening event itself was organized through a collaborative effort involving Thouna, Kakching, Film Forum Manipur, and the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur, demonstrating strong regional institutional support for the event and the showcased films.

Significance and Impact

The multiple recognitions received by ‘Yahouthengba Khoimu’ at prominent national and regional film festivals underscore its significant impact and artistic merit. Winning the Best Feature Film Award at the All India Film Festival 2024-25 is a major achievement, positioning the film as a leading work among contemporary Indian features screened at the event. The accompanying Cinematic Brilliance Award further attests to the film’s high quality in craft and storytelling. Selections for festivals like the International Film Festival of Telangana and the Northeast India Film Festival broaden the film’s exposure, allowing diverse audiences and industry professionals to engage with its narrative and production. These platforms are crucial for regional films like ‘Yahouthengba Khoimu’ to gain visibility beyond their immediate geographic sphere and contribute to the rich tapestry of Indian cinema. The participation in festivals organized by national bodies such as the Cine Society, All India Film Maker Association, and supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and NFDC, highlights the film’s acceptance and appreciation within the wider Indian film ecosystem. The local support from organizations like Thouna, Kakching, Film Forum Manipur, and DIPR, Government of Manipur, for its screening in Imphal also signifies its importance within its home region.

Conclusion

The success of Rakesh Naorem’s ‘Yahouthengba Khoimu’, produced by Dr. RK Nayansana, at multiple film festivals, culminating in the Best Feature Film and Cinematic Brilliance awards at the All India Film Festival 2024-25, marks a significant moment for Manipuri cinema. The film’s journey through the festival circuit, including screenings in Hyderabad and Imphal, demonstrates its ability to resonate with audiences and critics nationally and regionally. These accolades not only celebrate the artistic achievement of ‘Yahouthengba Khoimu’ but also shine a brighter light on the filmmaking talent emerging from Manipur and the Northeast, paving the way for future recognition of regional narratives.