Acclaimed filmmaker Priyakanta Laishram has started work on his latest live-action short, INTERLUDE, which went on floors in Manipur on August 8, 2025. The film, currently in production, examines the impact of conflict and displacement on everyday lives.
Set against Manipur’s present-day backdrop, INTERLUDE traces how individuals perceive one another across social and ideological divides. Rather than approaching its subject matter from a political stance, the film is described as a human-centered story that looks at fractured connections and the ways lived experiences shape understanding of “the other side.”
The cast is led by Narmada Shougaijam, who recently won Best Actress (Female) at the 17th Manipur State Film Awards for her performance in Sunita (2024). She is joined by Baggee Tonjam, appearing in his first live-action short. The supporting cast includes child actor Thingnam Parihanba, Rajkumari Sorojini, Ramva Leishangthem, Atom Ramesh, Sushma Kshetrimayum, Biswajit Saikia, Harendra Laishram and others.
In a shift from his earlier projects, Laishram has stepped away from acting to focus entirely on direction. Speaking about the film, he said, “INTERLUDE subtly echoes the emotional and psychological landscapes shaped by present tensions in the region, while focusing on how individuals perceive ‘the other side’, filtered through their lived experiences, inherited beliefs, and personal truths.”
INTERLUDE is written and directed by Laishram and produced under Priyakanta Productions by Roushil Singla and Laishram. It follows his previous feature ONENESS, which received Special Jury Award at the 17th Manipur State Film Awards.
The technical team includes Wangkhem Tarun as Director of Photography, Caroline Laishram (Label Caroline Laishram) as Costume Designer, and Punil Hiyang as Location Sound Recordist. Jessica Laishram is serving as First Assistant Director, with Keisham Brigesh as First Assistant Cinematographer.
