Battlefield, a World War II documentary directed by Borun Thokchom, had its world premiere today at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The film, selected for the prestigious Indian Panorama section, marks a significant milestone for Manipuri cinema and for India’s efforts in documenting untold chapters of the Second World War.
The film’s team, led by Borun Thokchom and accompanied by Yumnam Rajeshwor Singh, the central figure of the documentary, walked the IFFI red carpet, sharing insights about the decade-long journey of making the film. Rajeshwor Singh, whose extensive research and fieldwork form the backbone of the documentary, appears as the main protagonist, guiding viewers through key locations, archival remnants, and stories associated with the Battle of Imphal.
The Battle of Imphal, fought between the Allied Forces and the Japanese Army in 1944, remains one of the most decisive turning points of World War II in the Asian theatre. Through rare visuals, first-hand accounts, and detailed documentation, Battlefield revisits this historical episode and highlights the contributions of local communities whose lives were irrevocably shaped by the war.