Ishanou
Ishanou (English: The Chosen One) is a 1990 Indian Meitei language film written by M. K. Binodini Devi and directed by Aribam Syam Sharma. The movie stars Anoubam Kiranmala and Kangabam Tomba in the lead roles. It was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival. In 2023, it was recognised as a "World Classic" by the Cannes Film Festival 2023 and it was the only film selected from India for the event for that year. The movie was first aired in Doordarshan and later released in Usha Cinema, Paona Bazar on 6 July 1990.
| Ishanou (The Chosen One) | |
|---|---|
Official poster | |
| Directed by | Aribam Syam Sharma |
| Written by | M. K. Binodini Devi |
| Produced by | Aribam Syam Sharma |
| Starring | Anoubam Kiranmala Kangabam Tomba |
| Cinematography | Girish Padhiar |
| Edited by | Ujjal Nandy |
| Music by | Aribam Syam Sharma |
Production company | Aribam Syam Sharma Productions |
| Distributed by | Doordarshan Kendra Guwahati |
Release date |
|
Running time | 90 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Meitei language (officially called Manipuri language) |
Ishanou was screened at many film festivals, including Singapore International Film Festival, London Film Festival, Des 3 Continents, Festival of Festivals Toronto, International Film Festival Rotterdam, Fribourg International Film Festival, Hawaii International Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival and International Film Festival of India. Ishanou was restored by Film Heritage Foundation and the restored film was selected for a red-carpet world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2023.
On IMDb, Ishanou is ranked first among the top three Manipuri films, followed by Oneness (film) and Eikhoigee Yum.