My diploma project is based on a Manipuri folk tale called ‘Kakyen Meengamba.’ The story was derived from one of the ancient Puyas of Manipur called Tutenglon. Tutenglon means “cleaning the river”. The target audience for my film is children of twelve years and above. I wanted to make an animation film with lots of action and adventure. My film is about two Manipuri princes called Taothingmang and Yoimongba, who decide to clean up the great Manipur river. As they move along the river, they face many hurdles. A great kingfisher called Waba Saibon tries to spoil their plan. The two brothers face a dangerous tribal chief called Phunal Telheiba who has superior archery skills. Telheiba hates trespassers over his land and the brothers have a fight with him. Taothingmang nearly gets killed but escapes. Later, they reach a village where everyone lives in mortal fear of a monster bird called Kakyen Meengamba. The two brothers kill the bird and make a dam from its gigantic wings which marks the beginning of a prosperous future for the land. The film is about courage, sacrifice, duty and dedication.
This film aspires to be a highly stylized 2D film with a modern look for a global audience. I wanted to juxtapose both old and new techniques of animation. I didn’t want my film to look very colourful. I wanted it to have an old look.
At first, I was under confident and thought it was an impossible task. But, I took the challenge head on. I learnt different software for my film. I touched up my sketching and animation skills as well. The research part of my film which was done in Imphal has broadened my knowledge about Manipuri history and martial arts called Thang Ta.
