Imagine a place where, for over twenty years, the vibrant jingles and dramatic tales of Bollywood hadn’t echoed. Quite peculiar, right? Well, that was Manipur. Until one sunlit day when the catchy tunes of Hindi cinema sprung back to life in Churachandpur.

Back in 2000, the Revolutionary People’s Front, the political arm of the People’s Liberation Army, a group not known for their love of cinema nights, declared, “No more Bollywood!” And just like that, Shah Rukh Khan, and his “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” vibes from 1998, became the last memory of Bollywood in Manipur.

They went as far as conducting a mass ‘DVD and Cassette BBQ’ destroying 6,000 to 8,000 video and audio mementos. And the reason? Apparently, they feared Bollywood’s snazzy numbers might shake up Manipur’s rich traditions. Talk about a plot twist!

Lights, Camera, Revolution!

• Fast forward to a recent Tuesday, where the air at Rengkai (Lamka) was filled with excitement. The film on the marquee? “Uri: The Surgical Strike” starring Vicky Kaushal. A far cry from the romances of the 90s, but equally powerful.
• The Hmar Students Association (HSA), in what could only be described as a Bollywood style act of defiance, organized the screening. Their agenda? Well, not just popcorn and a good show. They wanted to oppose the long-standing ban on Hindi movies and more importantly, to express that they weren’t cool with the terror groups having the remote control to their entertainment.
• Ginza Vualzong, a spokesperson, chipped in with an emotional dialogue of his own, “It’s been so long since our town had a movie night. Today, we’re changing the channel from those groups and showcasing our love for India.”
• For those scratching their heads, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum, who voiced out their views, represents the Kuki tribes. They too, weren’t thrilled about missing out on two decades of cinematic experiences.
• The HSA, besides orchestrating the cinematic rebellion, had a clarion call: “Join us in our fight for freedom and justice!” Sounds like something right out of a movie, doesn’t it?
• It’s fascinating that the grip of cinema extends so deeply that it can become a symbol of protest and unity. The screening wasn’t merely about a film but a strong message against oppression.
• In the end, one can only hope that the people of Manipur won’t have to wait another two decades for their next movie night. Because, in the end, movies are about a shared experience, a shared laugh, and a shared tear.
• Who knew Bollywood, with its dance and drama, could play such a pivotal role in a state’s cultural and political narrative? But then again, that’s the magic of cinema!