The vicious cycle of progress and defeat tumbles the family of Panthoi (Played by Priyakanta Laishram) through many years in this film chronicle. It also depicts the relationship of a drug addict with his loved ones that’s pushed to the limits by a seemingly no win situation.
Issued by The Manipuri Mirror
Spaced Out – Panthung Di Kadaaida written and directed by prominent award winning actor/filmmaker Priyakanta Laishram is an unapologetic look at the plunge into the nightmare world of drugs and teen angst. The movie abandons the politically correct pathway and takes us down the road without any warning.
Priyakanta’s film gives insight into the rationale of an addict and even sympathizes with them in some ways. But we are also sucked in to the terrifying and surreal lows of withdrawal, as well as the real life consequences of addiction. It’s a heartbreaking story and one that surely will resonate with viewers who’ve experienced addiction themselves. There are uncomfortable truths about addiction but also about how we deal with those who are addicted and this is when director Priyakanta Laishram’s narrative structure works best.
The vicious cycle of progress and defeat tumbles the family of Panthoi (Played by Priyakanta Laishram) through many years in this film chronicle. It also depicts the relationship of a drug addict with his loved ones that’s pushed to the limits by a seemingly no win situation. A meditation on memory and difficulty of reconciling the happiness of the past with a present that’s become too sad to bear.
Those who have confronted into the darker corners of addiction know that one of its few consolations, once the fun has worn off, is the camaraderie with fellow practitioners. Substance abuse sets the user apart from the daily lives of ordinary people. No matter how well the addict may seem to be functioning, there is always the secret agenda, the knowledge that the drug of choice is more important than the mundane business at hand, such as friends, family, studies and jobs. Because no one can really understand that urgency as well as another addict, there is a shared humor, desperation and understanding among users. There is even a relief: Lies and evasions are unnecessary among friends who share the same needs. “Spaced Out : Panthung Di Kadaaida” knows that truth in its very bones.
Priyakanta Laishram as the protagonist “Panthoi” is at his best in the film. His performance is very nuanced. Not a lot actors would have put down this character whose life is wrecked and constantly thinking about dope as well as Laishram did. He also gets solid support from his co-actors and the dialogues.
The songs “Maibemma” and “Panthung Di Kadaaida” in the movie are impactful. There is also power and beauty in the understated approach of background score by Whitesand Music and Sorri Senjam.
The film stars Priyakanta Laishram as Panthoi, Ithoi Oinam as Laaija, Sachinker Sagolsem as Ngaanba, Biswajit Saikia as Lanchenba and Bhani Khamnam as Leima in lead roles. The film won 5 awards and 15 nominations including Best Actor In A Leading Role for Priyakanta Laishram, Best Narration, Best Screenplay at various national and international film festivals. It is produced by Caroline Laishram under the banner Priyakanta Productions.
Spaced Out : Panthung Di Kadaaida is a harrowing film experience that will not be forgotten once the credit rolls.