Priyakanta Laishram

{{Infobox person

| name = Priyakanta Laishram

| image = Priyakanta Laishram.jpg

| caption =

| birth_name = Priyakanta Thoi Laishram

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age |df=y|1998|11|07}}

| birth_place = Imphal East, Manipur, India

| alma_mater = University of Mumbai
Amity University, Noida

| occupation = Actor, film director, film producer, writer, film editor

| years_active = 2009–present

| height = 5 ft 8 in

| spouse =

| children =

| parents = Harendra Laishram
Jibanlata Laishram

| relatives =

| awards =

| website =

}}

Priyakanta Laishram (born 7 November 1998) is an Indian actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and film editor from the Meitei ethnicity of Imphal, Manipur who predominantly works in Manipuri films. Known for his socially relevant and unconventional films, he began making children's films at the age of 9 using a Nokia N70 mobile phone, receiving recognitions including The Youngest Filmmaker 2009 from Nokia and Manipur's Rising Star 2011 from Asian News International. His directorial work includes Oneness, notable for being Manipur’s first film centered on same-sex relationships. Laishram has won numerous accolades for his films, including a Manipur State Film Award and the Best Director Northeast award at the Prag Cine Awards.

Some of his notable works are Oneness, The Foul Truth, Up-Close With Priyakanta Laishram, Spaced Out – Panthung Di Kadaaida!, Who Said Boys Can't Wear Makeup?, It's Not My Choice and I am Special.

Early life and education

He was born on 7 November 1998 in the Imphal East district of Manipur. His father Harendra Laishram is a Manipur Police Officer and his mother Jibanlata Laishram was an actress. His elder sister Caroline Laishram is a fashion designer.{{Cite news |date=31 December 2022 |title=Priyakanta Laishram : Manipur's First "Openly Queer" Filmmaker |work=Signpost News |url=https://signpostnews.com/priyakanta-laishram-manipurs-first-openly-queer-filmmaker/ |access-date=15 August 2023}}

Following a battle with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, his mother died in 2016. At the age of 16, he moved to Chandigarh to attend his senior secondary school. He then switched to Mumbai to pursue his bachelor's degree.{{Cite news |last= |first= |date= |title='I knew I wasn't transgender but I had no idea who I was': Manipuri filmmaker Priyakanta Laishram |work=Scroll.in |url=https://scroll.in/article/1051143/i-knew-i-wasnt-transgender-but-i-had-no-idea-who-i-was-manipuri-filmmaker-priyakanta-laishram |access-date=6 August 2023}}

At Mumbai University, Laishram earned a bachelor of arts in mass media with a concentration in advertising. He also holds an honours degree in Sociology from Chandigarh's Panjab University.{{Cite news |date=9 May 2023 |title=Priyakanta Laishram: Torchbearer of Manipur queer cinema |work=Northeast Now |url=https://nenow.in/entertainment/priyakanta-laishram-torchbearer-of-manipur-queer-cinema.html |access-date=10 May 2023}} He completed his Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with distinction from Amity University, Noida in 2024.{{Cite news |last=Hijam |first=Araba |date=13 March 2025 |title=Why Priyakanta Laishram's Best Director Win Feels Like Our Own Victory |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2025/3/13/Araba-Hijam-Some-victories-extend-beyond-personal-achievement-they-symbolize-defiance-resilience-and-the-c.html |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=The Sangai Express}}

Career

= 2007–2011: Mobile phone filmmaking =

Priyakanta Laishram started making short films when he was 9 years old by using a mobile phone, Nokia N70. At the age of 11, his first full length children's film, Lammuknarure was released in 2009.{{Cite web |date=25 April 2022 |title=A Manipur film tackles sexual identity for first time |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/a-manipur-film-tackles-sexual-identity-for-first-time-7885549/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=The Indian Express }}

Later that year, he directed two more children's films, Achumbadi Amarni, shot on Nokia N70 and Chan-Thoibi shot on Sony Cyber-shot camera. He received recognition as Manipur's Rising Star by Asian News International, The Youngest Filmmaker 2009 by Nokia, and Youth Icon 2009 by Mongba Hanba Magazine.{{Cite news |date=31 December 2022 |title=Manipuri Cinema needs content improvement, says state's first gay-themed movie director Priyakanta Laishram |work=India Today NE |url=https://www.indiatodayne.in/entertainment/story/manipuri-cinema-needs-content-improvement-says-states-first-gay-themed-movie-director-priyakanta-laishram-491158-2022-12-31 |access-date=10 May 2023}}File:Priyakanta Laishram on the set of his children’s film in 2007.jpg.]]

= 2015–Present: Socially relevant and unconventional short films =

Laishram stated the following in an interview with Scroll.in on his transition from making films for children on mobile phones to social issue-based films:

"My film-making journey so far has had two phases. I was nine-years-old when I began making films with a Nokia N70 mobile phone. When I made those films, I was a child. Therefore, they had a stronger kid vibe. The second phase began after my senior secondary education. Sexual identity crisis, sexual harassment/abuse, mom’s ALS diagnosis and her death, living by myself in Chandigarh and Mumbai, exploring my sexuality, coming out, and dad's remarriage – many such life-altering events occurred between the first and second phases of my film-making journey, and I also discovered who I was.'

Since the second stage of his career as a filmmaker, Laishram has gained recognition for drawing attention to social issues that are either shameful or taboo.{{Cite web |date=6 January 2023 |title=Priyakanta Laishram: A Hidden Gem of Manipuri Cinema |url=https://thefrontiermanipur.com/priyakanta-laishram-a-hidden-gem-of-manipuri-cinema/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=The Frontier Manipur }} His films are known for focusing on taboo subjects such as child abuse, male rape, LGBTQ issues, gender neutrality, and drug menace.{{Cite news |last= |first= |title=Priyakanta Laishram on Bollywood breaking silence on Manipur violence: Unimaginable damage has already been done. |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/horrific-manipur-incident-bollywood-s-delayed-response-to-violence-against-women-in-northeast-india-101690194008631.html |access-date=6 August 2023}}

File:Priyakanta Laishram (Age 11) in 2009.jpg award from the then IPS Officer Thokchom Radheshyam.]]In 2015, he wrote, edited, and directed the film It's Not My Choice, which stars Bishesh Huirem, the first Indian to represent India in Miss International Queen 2016, and depicts the story of a young transgender person named Sanathoi who is deprived of her basic rights.{{Cite news |date=7 February 2024 |title=Bishesh Huirem starrer "It's Not My Choice" screened at Rajabhat University, Thailand |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/2/7/IMPHAL-Feb-6The-multiple-award-winning-2015-Manipuri-short-film-It-s-Not-My-Choice-was-screened-at-Rajabha.html |work=The Sangai Express}}{{Cite news |last=Nautiyal |first=Sarah |date=19 August 2024 |title=Like Fireflies In The Endless Dark: Emerging Queer Narratives In The Region Of North East India |url=https://feminisminindia.com/2024/08/19/like-fireflies-in-the-endless-dark-emerging-queer-narratives-in-the-region-of-north-east-india/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=Feminism In India}} For the movie, Laishram was featured in Gaylaxy Magazine.{{Cite news |date=6 March 2017 |title=In Conversation with Priyakanta Laishram, A Young Manipuri Filmmaker |work=Gaylaxy Magazine |url=https://www.gaylaxymag.com/exclusive/15405/ |access-date=10 May 2023}} The film received critical acclaim upon its premiere, with critics applauding Laishram's direction and writing in particular. The Sangai Express wrote, "Priyakanta Laishram's ability to maintain a straightforward and concise screenplay and dialogue without becoming didactic in conveying his intended message is truly praiseworthy. It is undeniable that he excels in his writing and directorial skills, as evidenced by his remarkable work in this film," {{Cite news |date=2 February 2024 |title=Manipuri film IT'S NOT MY CHOICE triumphs in every aspect |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/2/2/Brainee-HijamThe-2015-Manipuri-short-film-It-s-Not-My-Choice-Eina-Khankhiba-Natte-which-runs-for-14-minu.html |work=The Sangai Express}} while E-Pao cited the film as "One of the most impactful films on transgender visibility".{{Cite news |date=25 November 2022 |title=It's Not My Choice (Eina Khankhiba Natte) An Impactful Manipuri Film On Transgender Visibility. |work= |url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.Its_Not_My_Choice_Eina_Khankhiba_Natte_Review_By_Sangita_Atom |access-date=17 April 2023}} Laishram won Best Film On Social Cause at the Highland Independent Film Festival 2015, Best Story and Best Filmmaker For A Cause at the Jalandhar Short Film Festival 2015.{{Cite news |date=6 February 2024 |title=It's Not My Choice: A Film To Endure For Many Years To Come |url=https://signpostnews.com/its-not-my-choice-a-film-to-endure-for-many-years-to-come/ |work=Signpost News}}

I am Special, a documentary fiction movie he directed, was released in 2017. The true narrative of six differently-abled persons served as the basis for the film.

Later in the year, he featured in the Kangana Ranaut starrer The Bollywood Diva, a music video produced by All India Bakchod and directed by Tanmay Bhat.{{Cite news |date=16 April 2023 |title=8 Actors From Manipur Who Featured In Malayalam, Hindi, and Assamese Movies and Series |work= |url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.8_Actors_From_Manipur_Who_Featured_In_Malayalam_Hindi_and_Assamese_Movies_and_Series |access-date=17 April 2023}}

His 2018 movie Who Said Boys Can't Wear Makeup? was the first Indian film to deal with gender neutral fashion and men's make-up, for which he won Best Multimedia Influencer Award at the Lifestyle Young Influencer Awards 2018 in Mumbai.{{Cite news |date=15 September 2023 |title=Former top model Inder Bajwa stars in Manipur filmmaker's award winning film |work=Northeast Now |url=https://nenow.in/entertainment/former-top-model-inder-bajwa-stars-in-manipur-filmmakers-award-winning-film.html |access-date=16 September 2023}} The film was premiered at St. Regis, Mumbai in 2018. Apart from boys and men who wear make-up and gender neutral clothes in real life, Inder Bajwa (Former Top Model), Thounaojam Strela Luwang, Bala Hijam, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, Peden Ongmu Namgyal (Miss Diva Supranational 2017) and other renowned faces were also featured in the film.{{Cite news |date=16 April 2023 |title=2018 Manipuri film Who Said Boys Can't Wear Makeup is no less than a revolution |work=Imphal Times |url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/pdf/2023/April/16%20April.pdf |access-date=15 August 2023 }} Upon release, the film received positive response.{{Cite news |date=5 October 2023 |title=Priyakanta Laishram's 'Who Said Boys Can't Wear Makeup?' Shatters Stereotypes |work=Signpost News |url=https://signpostnews.com/priyakanta-laishrams-who-said-boys-cant-wear-makeup-shatters-stereotypes/ |access-date=7 October 2023}}

His next movie was The Foul Truth in 2019. The film was about a boy who is a survivor of male rape and child sexual abuse.{{Cite news |date=17 August 2023 |title=Manipuri film 'The Foul Truth' talks about hidden truth of male rape |work=Northeast Now |url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/manipuri-film-the-foul-truth-talks-about-hidden-truth-of-male-rape.html |access-date=18 August 2023}} The film was also known for being the first film from Northeast India to accentuate the hidden truth about male rape. Laishram played the role of a sexual assault survivor in the movie, which earned him critical acclaim for his performance.{{Cite web |date=10 December 2021 |title=Priyakanta Laishram "ONENESS" is all set to reveal the invisible crime of Gay Honor Killing (Manipur's first Gay themed movie) |url=https://www.indiatodayne.in/breaking-news/story/priyakanta-laishram-oneness-all-set-reveal-invisible-crime-gay-honor-killing-manipurs-first-gay-themed-movie-411189-2021-12-10 |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=India Today NE }} The film received rave reviews for its theme, direction, dialogue and performances. For his portrayal as a sexual assault survivor, Laishram won Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Symbiosis Allied Media Awards 2019, the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Short Motion Pictures National Wave Festival 2018,{{Cite news |date=18 August 2023 |title=Priyakanta Laishram's 'The Foul Truth' Is The Gruesome Reality Of Society. |work=Signpost News |url=https://signpostnews.com/priyakanta-laishrams-the-foul-truth-is-the-gruesome-reality-of-society/ |access-date=18 August 2023}} Best Actor in a Leading Role at the World Freedom Film Festival 2018, and Best Actor in a Motion Picture—Drama at the Jalandhar National Short Film Festival 2019, while he also won Best Film on Other Social Issues at the St. Leuven International Short Film Festival 2019, Unconventional Film Award at Human Rights Asian Film Festival 2019, Best Screenplay at the Short Motion Pictures Wave National Festival 2019, Best Sound Design at the World Freedom Film Festival 2018 as a director, producer, writer and sound designer. The film was screened at 33 international film festivals.{{Cite news |date=5 October 2023 |title=Manipuri film 'The Foul Truth' to be screened at Chiang Mai University, Thailand |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.The_Foul_Truth_to_be_screened_at_Chiang_Mai_University_2023 |work=E-Pao}} Praising Laishram's performance, The Sangai Express wrote, "He gives a solid performance as the sexual assault survivor 'Thoithoiba' and brilliantly brings out the nuances to deliver a compelling act. He succeeds in spreading his stamp all over the film".{{Cite news |date=6 October 2023 |title=The Foul Truth captures and taps into the evil truth of mankind |work=The Sangai Express |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2023/10/6/Sangita-AtomThe-Foul-Truth-Amakpa-Achumba-directed-by-Priyakanta-Laishram-is-every-bit-a-game-changer-Af.html |access-date=7 October 2023}}

In 2020, his talk-show Up-Close With Priyakanta Laishram was released on his YouTube channel and raises various social issues including those pertaining to progressive discussions around gender roles, patriarchy, and societal norms. Known for its fresh perspective, the show sparked widespread online debate, trolling, and criticism.

In 2021, his film Spaced Out – Panthung Di Kadaaida! based on the topic of teen drug abuse was released. The Frontier Manipur describes the film as a "meaningful" and unflinchingly honest look at teenage drug addiction, stating that it is “a harrowing film experience that will not be forgotten once the credits roll.”{{Cite web |date=26 November 2022 |title=SPACED OUT – Panthung Di Kadaaida : A meaningful Manipuri flick on teen drug abuse The Frontier Manipur |url=https://thefrontiermanipur.com/spaced-out-panthung-di-kadaaida-a-meaningful-manipuri-flick-on-teen-drug-abuse/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=The Frontier Manipur }}The Sangai Express describes the film as a “poignant and powerful exploration of teenage substance abuse,” while noting that its short runtime limits character development and narrative depth. For his portrayal of a teen drug abuser, Panthoi, Laishram won Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Human Rights & Social Issues Film Festival 2019, Tokyo. Additionally, he won Best Actor in Drama and Best Screenplay at the Short & Non-Feature Motion Pictures Wave Festival 2020-2021, Delhi.{{Cite news |date=11 August 2024 |title=A deep dive into despair 'Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida!' confronts substance abuse |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/8/11/Debabrata-YumnamThe-2021-Manipuri-film-SPACED-OUT-Panthung-Di-Kadaaida-is-a-poignant-and-powerful-expl.html |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Sangai Express}}{{Cite news |last=Ninthoujam |first=Aditi |date=19 June 2025 |title=SPACED OUT – Panthung Di Kadaaida!: A Brave Take on a Silent Epidemic |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.Spaced_Out_Panthung_Di_Kadaaida_A_Brave_Take_on_a_Silent_Epidemic |access-date=28 June 2025 |work=E-Pao}}{{Cite news |last=Angom |first=Rinku |date=22 June 2025 |title=SPACED OUT – Panthung Di Kadaaida!, is a Slow-Burning Portrait of a Boy Unraveling |url=https://signpostnews.com/spaced-out-panthung-di-kadaaida-is-a-slow-burning-portrait-of-a-boy-unraveling/ |access-date=28 June 2025 |work=Signpost News}}

= 2024: Debut Feature Film =

Laishram's 2024 debut feature film, Oneness, is the first Manipuri film to explore same-sex relationships. The movie is based on a tragic true story of a Manipuri gay youth. Alongside Priyakanta, the film stars Maya Choudhury, Suraj Ngashepam, and Sachinker Sagolsem in the lead roles. The film made its world premiere at the 2024 KASHISH Pride Film Festival, South Asia's largest queer film festival,{{Cite news |date=21 April 2024 |title=Manipuri film “Oneness” makes historic debut at South Asia's biggest Queer Film Festival |url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/manipuri-film-oneness-makes-historic-debut-at-south-asias-biggest-queer-film-festival.html |access-date=21 May 2024 |work=Northeast Now}} in Mumbai on May 17, 2024, at Cinepolis.{{Cite news |date=21 May 2024 |title=Priyakanta's 'Oneness' steals spotlight at Pride Film Fest |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/5/21/By-Our-Staff-ReporterIMPHAL-May-20-Manipuri-filmmaker-and-actor-Priyakanta-Laishram-has-taken-the-Kashish.html |access-date=21 May 2024 |work=The Sangai Express}} Elle (India) listed the film as one of the top eight,{{Cite news |date=15 May 2024 |title=From Kaathal to La Vénus d'Argent, Here Are 8 Films To Watch Out For At The Kashish Pride Film Festival This Year |url=https://elle.in/8-films-kashish-pride-film-festival/ |access-date=21 May 2024 |work=Elle}} while Mid-Day named it one among the 10 films to watch at KASHISH 2024.{{Cite news |date=13 May 2024 |title=10 feature films to watch out for at KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024 |url=https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/culture/photo/in-photos-10-feature-films-to-watch-out-for-at-kashish-pride-film-festival-2024-in-mumbai-lgbtqia-queer-festival-100613/1 |access-date=21 May 2024 |work=Mid-Day}} The film was then officially selected and screened at the 14th Bangalore Queer Film Festival 2024,{{Cite news |date=23 August 2024 |title=The upcoming edition of 'Bangalore Queer Film Festival' features an increased number of Indian films than ever before |url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/cinema/2024/Aug/23/the-upcoming-edition-of-bangalore-queer-film-festival-features-an-increased-number-of-indian-films-than-ever-before |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Indian Express - Indulge}}{{Cite news |date=23 August 2024 |title=Bangalore Queer film festival opens on August 23, to screen 50 movies |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/queer-film-fest-opens-today-screens-50-movies-3161056 |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=Deccan Herald}} the 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival,{{Cite news |date=31 January 2025 |title=State gears up for 2nd EIIFF |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2025/1/31/IMPHAL-Jan-30-Manipur-is-gearing-up-to-host-the-second-edition-of-the-Eikhoigi-Imphal-International-Film-Fe.html |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Sangai Express}}the 2nd Northeast India Film Festival, Manipur 2025 in the Competition Section,{{Cite news |date=1 February 2025 |title=Three Assamese Films Selected For Screening At 2nd North East India Film Festival In Manipur |url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/three-assamese-films-selected-for-screening-at-2nd-north-east-india-film-festival-in-manipur |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Sentinel}}and Aravali International Film Festival 2025, where it was nominated for Best Cinematography.{{Cite news |date=7 April 2025 |title=Manipuri Film ONENESS Endures as a Festival Standout |url=https://ukhrultimes.com/manipuri-film-oneness-endures-as-a-festival-standout/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=Ukhrul Times}}

Upon its release, the film received generally positive reviews across various aspects. Imphal Review of Arts and Politics praised Priyakanta Laishram’s emotionally raw performance, empathetic direction, restrained screenplay, and sound design in Oneness, calling it “a defiant cinematic stand against deep-rooted socio-cultural intolerance.”{{Cite news |last=Yaikhom |first=Dia |date=10 May 2025 |title=“Oneness”: A Defiant Cinematic Stand Against Deep-Rooted Socio-Cultural Intolerance |url=https://imphalreviews.in/oneness-a-defiant-cinematic-stand-against-deep-rooted-socio-cultural-intolerance/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=Imphal Review of Arts and Politics}} The Sangai Express wrote, "Priyakanta Laishram is a meticulous filmmaker whose work on ONENESS has set new standards in Manipuri cinema. Known for his dedication, smart work, and critical analysis, Priyakanta has brought a unique vision to this film. His portrayal of Ivan Martin, the film’s protagonist, stands out as the best performance among the entire cast."{{Cite news |date=9 August 2024 |title=ONENESS: A landmark in Manipuri cinema breaks barriers |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/8/9/Reviewed-by-Laishram-Malemnganba-Meitei-Mocha-Laishram-Khuman-ABOUT-THE-FILM-ONENESS-directed-by-Pr.html |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Sangai Express}} E-Pao described the film as "a masterclass in storytelling, acting, and filmmaking, helmed by Priyakanta Laishram’s vision and talent." It further stated, "Oneness is a bold, pioneering film that pushes the boundaries of Manipuri cinema". {{Cite news |date=20 December 2024 |title=Oneness - A Brave, Pioneering Triumph in Manipuri Cinema |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.Oneness_A_Brave_Pioneering_Triumph_in_Manipuri_Cinema_By_David_Whiso |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=E-Pao}} Manipur Wiki praised Laishram's performance, writing, "Priyakanta delivers a standout performance as Ivan Martin, an 18-year-old deeply in love with Pamheiba. His portrayal masterfully captures the constant fear and vulnerability that accompanies his forbidden love. Despite being his debut role, Priyakanta’s dialogue delivery is remarkably realistic, bringing depth and nuance to his character."{{Cite news |date=17 December 2024 |title=“Oneness” : A Film Review |url=https://manipurwiki.org/oneness-a-film-review/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=Manipur Wiki}}Screen Echoes Manipur included his portrayal of Ivan Martin among the "Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema in the Last Decade."{{Cite news |last=Manipur |first=Screen Echoes |date=21 June 2025 |title=Best 8 Performances In Manipuri Cinema In The Last Decade - A Decade of Breakthroughs in a System Resistant to Change - |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.Best_8_Performances_in_Manipuri_Cinema_in_the_last_Decade |access-date=28 June 2025 |work=E-Pao}}

At the Prag Cine Awards 2025, Priyakanta Laishram won Best Director Northeast, which also earned him nominations for Best Film Northeast and Best Actor Northeast, along with a Best Actress Northeast nomination for Maya Choudhury.{{Cite news |date=15 February 2025 |title=Manipuri Film ‘Oneness’ Earns Four Nominations at Prag Cine Awards Northeast 2025 |url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/manipuri-film-oneness-earns-four-nominations-at-prag-cine-awards-northeast-2025/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=Imphal Times}}{{Cite news |date=10 March 2025 |title=Priyakanta Laishram wins Best Director Northeast at Prag Cine Awards 2025 for ONENESS |url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/priyakanta-laishram-wins-best-director-northeast-at-prag-cine-awards-2025-for-oneness/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=Imphal Times}}{{Cite news |date=11 March 2025 |title=Priyakanta bags best director award |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com//Encyc/2025/3/11/By-Our-Staff-ReporterIMPHAL-Mar-10-Filmmaker-and-actor-Priyakanta-Laishram-was-honoured-with-the-Best-Dire.html |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Sangai Express}}

In the 17th edition of the Manipur State Film Awards in 2025, presented by the Government of Manipur and the Manipur State Film Development Society, Laishram was conferred with the Special Jury Award for the film.{{Cite news |date=27 June 2025 |title=Manipur’s Queer Film ONENESS Wins 2 State Govt. Film Awards |url=https://northeasttoday.in/northeast/manipurs-queer-film-oneness-wins-2-state-govt-film-awards/ |access-date=28 June 2025 |work=Northeast Today}}{{Cite news |date=27 June 2025 |title=Debutant directors shine at 17th Manipur state film awards, Dr. Arambam Lokendra honoured |url=https://assamtribune.com/north-east/debutant-directors-shine-at-17th-manipur-state-film-awards-dr-arambam-lokendra-honoured-1582610 |access-date=28 June 2025 |work=The Assam Tribune}}{{Cite news |date=27 June 2025 |title='Laangoi' adjudged best feature film, Dr A Lokendra honoured |url=https://epaper.poknapham.in/editionname/ThePeoplesChronicle/POKNAP_TPC/date/2025-06-27/page/3/article/POKNAP_TPC_20250627_3_10 |access-date=28 June 2025 |work=The People's Chronicle}}

Laishram cited the following when discussing how his entire filmography has shown how he has grown up:

"All my films have witnessed how I have grown up. They have given me the voice I never had, the voice suppressed by the general public and the mainstream media, and they helped me to understand others and myself better. The responsibility I feel as a filmmaker today makes me more and more aware of the issues of society, who I am as a person, and what I need to do as a filmmaker."

Public and off-screen image

The Frontier Manipur describes Priyakanta Laishram as "A Hidden Gem Of Manipuri Cinema", who breaks several barriers with his mere perspective and changing the narrative with his thought-provoking scripts. He is cited as the "Torchbearer Of Manipur Queer Cinema" by Northeast Now, who also calls him a rare creature who has mastered the art of using the cinematic medium to expose societal wrongdoings and malpractices in an industry replete with old school directors.

In 2025, Priyakanta Laishram was featured as one of the nine artists in The North-Eastern Chronicle's list of 'Emerging Artists from Northeast India You Should Watch in 2025,' recognizing his contributions to cinema and his role in pushing the boundaries of regional storytelling.{{Cite news |date=18 March 2025 |title=Emerging Artists from Northeast India You Should Watch in 2025 |url=https://www.northeasternchronicle.in/news/northeast-top-emerging-artist-25/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=The North-Eastern Chronicle}}

Priyakanta Laishram has often faced backlash in Manipur for his bold cinematic choices, particularly for films challenging traditional socio-cultural norms. Several reports highlight that his work has drawn trolling, cyberbullying, threats, and calls for bans. Despite these persistent challenges, critics note that Laishram continues to speak through his art with conviction, often becoming a symbol of resistance and courage within a largely conservative cinematic landscape.

In addition to his work in film-making, Laishram is known for speaking up for a variety of causes and social issues. He made a number of statements about the situation of Manipur during the 2023 Manipur violence in an effort to restore peace and normalcy. He argued the ignorance and prejudiced views of those in authority on the horrific war, concentrating solely on the viral video of two women and ignoring other heinous crimes.{{Cite news |date=22 July 2023 |title=Filmmaker Priyakanta Laishram cries for help, asks, "Do the remaining residents of Manipur have to strip off?" |work=Northeast Now |url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/filmmaker-priyakanta-laishram-cries-for-help-asks-do-the-remaining-residents-of-manipur-have-to-strip-off.html |access-date=6 August 2023}}

Laishram said in an interview with Hindustan Times that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bollywood celebrities' two and a half months of total silence is a very long time and that it is truly very depressing to see how our culture and nation consistently wait for some terrible events to happen before taking a stand for something, even if it means endangering the lives of others. He continued, saying it's awful how the government and the mainstream film industries always ignore what happens in India's northeastern parts but continuously respond to what happens in other foreign countries.

In 2016, Laishram spoke out in favour of the LGBTQ community, pleading for an end to Section 377.{{Cite news |date=15 August 2016 |title=Northeastern LGBTQ community demand freedom from Section 377 on Independence Day |work=The Northeast Today |url=https://thenortheasttoday.com/states/tripura/northeastern-lgbtq-community-demand-freedom-from-section/cid2553590.htm |access-date=6 August 2023}} He also actively supports children with cancer through volunteer work.

In 2023, he made a statement about same-sex unions in India, saying that the legal system needed to be set up to protect and enhance human rights and promote marriage equality. He stated that the lack of legal recognition of same-sex marriage denies social benefits and increases prejudice and violence.

Regarding the ban on Manipuri actress Soma Laishram, he denounced organisations and civic bodies in Manipur for their continued practice of banning and cancelling actors for trivial reasons. He talked on how the general populace in Manipur views artists as inferior and treats them poorly.{{Cite news |date=26 September 2023 |title=Soma Laishram is not at fault |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/soma-laishram-is-not-at-fault/article67344705.ece |access-date=4 October 2023}}

Laishram represented Manipur at the Rainbow Lit Fest 2023 in New Delhi.{{Cite news |date=15 December 2023 |title=Santa Khurai, Priyakanta Laishram represent Manipur at Rainbow Literature Festival 2023 |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2023/12/15/IMPHAL-Dec-15Noted-transgender-rights-activist-and-writer-Santa-Khurai-and-actor-filmmaker-Priyakanta-Laish.html |work=The Sangai Express}}{{Cite news |date=13 December 2023 |title=Rainbow Lit Fest 2023 Concludes On A High Note |url=https://everythingexperiential.businessworld.in/article/Rainbow-Lit-Fest-2023-Concludes-On-A-High-Note/13-12-2023-502046/ |work=Everything Experiential Business World}}