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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|The Foul Truth is 2019 Manipuri film directed by Priyakanta Laishram based on male rape}}<br />
{{italic title}}<br />
{{Infobox film<br />
| italic_title = The Foul Truth - Amakpa Achumba<br />
| image = The Foul Truth (Amakpa Achumba) - Poster.jpg<br />
| caption = The Foul Truth (Amakpa Achumba) - Poster<br />
| director = [[Priyakanta Laishram]]<br />
| producer = [[Priyakanta Laishram]]<br />
| starring = [[Priyakanta Laishram]]<br />
Rojesh Saikhom<br/>Harry Tourangbam<br />
| cinematography = Baldev Yambem<br/>Satish Moirangcha<br />
| music = Whitesand Music<br />
| studio = Priyakanta Productions<br />
| released = 02 June 2019<br />
| country = [[India]]<br />
| language = [[Meitei language]] (officially called [[Manipuri language]])<br />
}}<br />
'''''The Foul Truth''''' ([[Manipuri (Meiteilon Language)|Manipuri]]: ''Amakpa Achumba'') is a 2019 [[Cinema of Manipur|Manipuri film]] written, produced and directed by [[Priyakanta Laishram]] under the production banner, Priyakanta Productions. It is the first film from [[Northeast India]] to tackle the issue of [[male rape]].<ref name=":2">{{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}}</ref> The film tells the story of a boy named Thoithoiba, who is a survivor of [[child sexual abuse]] and [[Rape of males|male rape]]. The film stars [[Priyakanta Laishram]], Harry Tourangbam and Rojesh Saikhom. The film was released on 2 June 2019.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=17 August 2023 |title=‘The Foul Truth’: A Wake-Up Call For The Patriarch Society. |work=Borok Times |url=https://boroktimes.com/the-foul-truth-a-wake-up-call-for-the-patriarch-society/ |access-date=18 August 2023}}</ref> The film was screened at 33 international [[Film festival|film festivals]] and won several awards, including Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Film on Other Social Issues, and Best Screenplay awards.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=3 October 2023 |title=Manipuri film ‘The Foul Truth’ to be screened at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. |work=Borok Times |url=https://boroktimes.com/manipuri-film-the-foul-truth-to-be-screened-at-chiang-mai-university-thailand/ |access-date=3 October 2023}}</ref><br />
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== Plot ==<br />
Thoithoiba ([[Priyakanta Laishram]]), a shy and introverted college student, faces daily ridicule for his anti-social behaviors. Even his family complains about his lack of socialization and masculinity. Thoithoiba feels deeply disturbed and traumatised, but no one acknowledges or understands his feelings. One day after college, while he waits for his father (Harendra Laishram) to pick him up, he calls his mother (Sophia Sapam) to ask where his father is. When his younger sister answered the phone, she informed him that their uncle (Rojesh Saikhom) had left to pick him up. This triggers upsetting childhood memories, causing Thoithoiba to hang up the phone and become rattled.<br />
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His classmates notice and start mocking him, which leads to a confrontation and a fight. Thoithoiba's uncle arrives and accuses him in front of the bullies. Disheartened, Thoithoiba returns home to a family that blames him for the college brawl without showing any remorse. Unable to bear it any longer, he confronts them and reveals his long-buried trauma of being regularly raped by his uncle. Thoithoiba cries uncontrollably, accusing each member of his family of being responsible for his life of horror, fury, shame, and guilt, and criticizing toxic masculinity and unfavorable norms that led to his abuse.<br />
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As the film ends, Thoithoiba sees a younger version of himself (Harry Tourangbam) and finds solace in their connection. They share a triumphant moment before the younger self disappears, leaving Thoithoiba with a sigh.<br />
<br />
== Cast ==<br />
<br />
* [[Priyakanta Laishram]] as Thoithoiba.<ref name=":3" /><br />
* Rojesh Saikhom as Thoithoiba's uncle.<br />
* Harry Tourangbam as Young Thoithoiba.<br />
* Harendra Laishram as Thoithoiba's father.<br />
* Sophia Sapam as Thoithoiba's mother.<br />
* Indira Khaidem as Thoithoiba's distant relative.<br />
* Caroline Laishram as College professor.<br />
* Terina Ningombam as Thoithoiba's younger sister.<br />
* Bhani Khamnam as College student.<br />
* Bronson Mutum as College student.<br />
* Nongpoknganba Khoirom as College student.<br />
* Jackson Naoroibam as College student.<br />
* Yaiphabi Toijam as College student.<br />
* Eshika Luwang as College student.<br />
<br />
== Production ==<br />
=== Development ===<br />
In an interview with ''[[Scroll.in]]'', [[Priyakanta Laishram]] stated that while attending senior secondary school in [[Chandigarh]], he was sexually assaulted by two men. The trauma he faced as a result of the assault gave him the courage to speak out through this film.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 June 2023 |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=18 August 2023}}</ref><br />
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Regarding the funding, Laishram said that due to the subject matter of the film, none of the other producers were willing to invest, and he had to produce it himself.<ref name=":1">{{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}}</ref> It was also revealed that Laishram would play the role of a sexual assault survivor in the film.<ref>{{Cite news |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) |work=India Today NE |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=18 August 2023}}</ref><br />
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In 2018, when the film was announced, Laishram received backlash from a group of people who didn't understand the problem of male rape.<ref name=":1" /> In an interview with ''[[The Indian Express]],'' Laishram said he received threatening calls from different [[Insurgent groups in North-East India|insurgent groups]] regarding the film.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 April 2022 |title=A Manipur film tackles sexual identity for first time |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/a-manipur-film-tackles-sexual-identity-for-first-time-7885549/ |access-date=18 August 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Filming ===<br />
The [[principal photography]] of the film commenced on 22 May 2018. After a 4-day schedule, the film wrapped up its shoot on 26 May 2018.<ref name=":1" /><br />
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Talking about the film, Laishram said, ''"It is hard for the male survivors to tell someone that they have experienced sexual abuse because of the stereotypes about masculinity. Those thousands of tortured individuals whose voices and cries have been silenced by society were brought to light through this film.” ''<ref name=":2" /><br />
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=== Post Production & Release ===<br />
''The Foul Truth'' was edited by Priyakanta Laishram and the music was composed by Whitesand Music. It was released on 02 June 2019.<ref name=":3" /><br />
<br />
== Reception ==<br />
''The Foul Truth'' received rave reviews from critics. Sangita Atom of [[The Sangai Express|''The Sangai Express'']] wrote, "''The Foul Truth - Amakpa Achumba, is a very sad and jarring film about some of the most atrocious behavior of humankind. It stands out from the rest with a non-dramatized version of reality. Overall, it is an excellent cinema with top-notch direction, dialogue, performances, and sound design".''<ref>{{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=6 October 2023}}</ref> <br />
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''Northeast Now'' wrote, ''"The film delves deeply into the patriarchy that predominantly exists in our society and how the culture of victim blaming and shaming has resulted in numerous unintended consequences."'' <ref name=":2" /> <br />
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Praising Priyakanta Laishram's performance, ''Borok Times'' wrote'', "As an actor, he convincingly portrays his character’s underlying resiliency. One can truly empathize with the character, demonstrating how much heart and soul Laishram poured into the film'.''<ref name=":3" /><br />
<br />
== Accolades ==<br />
<br />
{|class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
!Award<br />
!Category<br />
!Winner's name<br />
!Result<br />
!Reference<br />
|- <br />
|rowspan="2"| World Freedom Film Festival 2018<br />
| Best Best Actor in a Leading Role<br />
|[[Priyakanta Laishram]] <br />
| {{won}} <br />
|-<br />
| Best Sound Design<br />
| [[Priyakanta Laishram]] <br />
| {{won}} <br />
|<ref name=":4" /><br />
|-<br />
|rowspan="1"|St. Leuven International Short Film Festival 2019<br />
| Best Film on Other Social Issues<br />
| [[Priyakanta Laishram]] (Producer and Director)<br />
| {{won}} <br />
|<ref name=":1" /><br />
|- <br />
|Symbiosis Allied Media Awards 2019<br />
|Best Actor in a Leading Role<br />
| [[Priyakanta Laishram]]<br />
| {{won}} <br />
|<ref name=":1" /><br />
|-<br />
| Indian Independent Film Festival 2018<br />
| Best Background Score<br />
| Whitesand Music<br />
| {{won}}<br />
|<ref name=":4" /><br />
|-<br />
|rowspan="2"| Short Motion Pictures Wave National Festival 2019<br />
|Best Actor Award—Critics<br />
|[[Priyakanta Laishram]]<br />
|{{won}}<br />
|-<br />
| Best Screenplay<br />
| [[Priyakanta Laishram]] <br />
| {{won}} <br />
|<ref name=":1" /><br />
|-<br />
|rowspan="1"| Human Rights Asian Film Festival 2019<br />
| Unconventional Film Award<br />
| [[Priyakanta Laishram]] (Producer and Director)<br />
| {{won}} <br />
|<ref name=":4" /><br />
|-<br />
|rowspan="1"| Jalandhar National Short Film Festival 2019<br />
| Best Actor in a Motion Picture—Drama<br />
| [[Priyakanta Laishram]] <br />
| {{won}} <br />
|<ref name=":4" /><br />
|}<br />
== References ==<br />
<!-- Inline citations added to your article will automatically display here. See en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/BP:REFB for instructions on how to add citations. --><br />
{{reflist}}<br />
== External links ==<br />
*{{imdb title|15382170|The Foul Truth}}<br />
[[Category:2019 films]]<br />
[[Category:2019 drama films]]<br />
[[Category:Manipur]]<br />
[[Category:Indian drama films]]<br />
[[Category:2010s Meitei-language films]]<br />
[[Category:Films about rape in India]]<br />
[[Category:Meitei-language films]]<br />
[[Category:Films about social issues in India]]<br />
[[Category:Cinema of Manipur]]<br />
[[Category:Rape of males| ]]<br />
[[Category:Rape]]<br />
[[Category:Misandry]]<br />
[[Category:Social inequality]]<br />
[[Category:Violence against men]]</div>HarmanBajwa