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The Chosen One

Name: The Chosen One
Director: Aribam Syam Sharma
Released: 1990
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

7.5/10

Good

1990

Director

Aribam Syam Sharma

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out as a powerful example of regional realism, resisting the homogenization typical of mainstream Indian cinema. By focusing on the Meibi cult and Manipuri customs, it delivers a deeply localized and authentic cultural perspective. Though it does not address modern LGBTQ+ or disability issues, the film successfully dismantles traditional social hierarchies. The protagonist's spiritual transformation provides a nuanced view of how metaphysical identities can overshadow patriarchal family structures. Ultimately, the work shines in its cultural specificity, while navigating the complexities of mental health and spiritual calling.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Chosen One have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. It centers on a traditional marriage and spiritual calling.

How does The Chosen One portray gender?

Fair

The film challenges traditional gender roles by highlighting a woman's spiritual journey. She transitions from being a wife to a spiritual figure, disrupting conventional gender dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Chosen One?

Excellent

The film offers a unique and authentic portrayal of the Meitei people and Manipuri culture. It presents an ethnic identity often sidelined in national cinema.

How does The Chosen One represent religion and culture?

Good

The story emphasizes ancient spiritual traditions over contemporary social structures. It examines how a divine mission can challenge the stability of the nuclear family.

Does The Chosen One include disability representation?

Fair

The protagonist's violent episodes are explained through a spiritual context rather than a medical one. The film highlights the tension between personal experiences and societal norms.

Present on Screen

Offers a unique and authentic depiction of the Meitei people and Manipuri cultural landscape.
Challenges traditional gender roles by giving the female protagonist spiritual significance that goes beyond her domestic role.
Avoids mainstream cinematic homogenization by emphasizing specific, localized religious practices and customs.

Limited or Absent

Does not include LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships.
Explains mental health crises through a spiritual lens rather than addressing neurodivergence or clinical perspectives.
Does not engage with modern disability politics or diverse neurodivergent representations.

Official Synopsis

This Manipuri drama opens as a happy young couple are preparing for an ear-piercing ceremony for their first child, a daughter. This is an important custom in their region of India, signifying the beginning of a responsible stage in life. Things go awry when the wife begins talking to flowers, singing odd songs, and having fits. In fact, the fits get so violent that she has to be physically restrained and tied down to prevent her from hurting herself. It eventually emerges that she has been chosen by a spirit which is special to a particular religious cult, the Meibis. Things proceed swiftly with her new, unsought, allegiance as she makes contact with the cult and its leader and prepares to leave her heartsick husband and child behind.

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