Private Project

REVERIE KRIDA: DAYDREAM PLAY

Reverie Krida s a captivating short film created with the Hinduja Foundation that evokes the dream world through a unique visual style reminiscent of classic cinema. Utilizing grain, colour tints, and monochrome, the film transports viewers to the heart of Manipur, where ancient traditions inspire a mesmerizing exploration of spiritual imagination.

Drawing inspiration from La Haraoba and Rasa Lila, "Reverie Krida" blurs the lines between reality and imagination. Ethereal visuals and evocative movement create a dreamlike tapestry, inviting contemplation and introspection. Flowing movements echo the beauty of ritual dance, further enhanced by a captivating music that delights the immersive experience.

This evocative short film is a celebration of the human spirit's connection to the unseen realms. Through its unique visual style and exploration of ancient traditions, "Reverie Krida" offers an entrance to a world of classical beauty and self-discovery.

La Haraoba and Rasa Leela are two significant cultural and religious practices in Manipur, India. Both involve intricate dance, music, and elaborate costumes. While La Haraoba is a broader ritual honouring multiple deities, Rasa Leela focuses on the divine love between Radha and Krishna. Despite their differences, both share a profound connection to the divine, serving as platforms for community bonding and spiritual experiences.

La Haraoba and Rasa Leela: A Divine Connection

La Haraoba and Rasa Leela are two of the most significant cultural and religious expressions of Manipur. While they differ in their core purpose and structure, they are deeply intertwined and share common threads.

Shared Essence

Divine Love: Both dances are centered around divine love, a central theme in Vaishnavism. La Haraoba is a worship of multiple deities, while Rasa Leela specifically focuses on the divine love between Radha and Krishna. However, the underlying emotion of love is a common denominator.
Mythological Basis: Both draw heavily from mythological narratives. La Haraoba incorporates tales of creation, deities, and cosmic forces, while Rasa Leela is rooted in the legends of Krishna's childhood and youth.

Artistic Expressions

Dance and Music: Both involve intricate dance forms and rhythmic music. The graceful movements and melodious tunes in both traditions are essential elements of the performance.
Costumes and Decorations: While the specific details vary, both La Haraoba and Rasa Leela involve elaborate costumes and decorations, reflecting the divine and earthly realms.

  • Param P. Tomanec
    Director
    RASA YATRA, GOTIPUA KRIDA
  • Param P. Tomanec
    Writer
  • GODFREY REGGIO
    EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
    Koyaanisqatsi, Once Within a Time
  • Raoul Goff
    Producer
  • Neeraj Kapoor
    Producer
    Fungis, Lord of Rings
  • Vasudeva Vickic
    Producer
  • Manju Elangbam
    Key Cast
    "Krishna, Rama "
  • Sarju Lamabam
    Key Cast
    "Chandravali"
  • Hemlata Khuman
    Key Cast
    "Lasika"
  • Sobita Oinam
    Key Cast
    "Yashoda"
  • Princy Kshetramanyum
    Key Cast
    "Radha"
  • Dickson Oinam
    Key Cast
    "Bharat"
  • Param Tomanec
    Key Cast
    "Yogi, Priest (uncredited on the end roll)"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 15 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 31, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    25,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Param P. Tomanec

Param is an accomplished filmmaker and editor, known for editing his own films. His work specializes in art that explores the transcendence of temporality. Formerly a monk in the Krishna tradition, he cultivated a strong connection with audiences. His tenure at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies included founding the Artist-in-Residence program, where his work was featured in academic publications.

Param's critically acclaimed inaugural art project, Rasa Yatra, garnered universal praise from filmmakers and critics. In 2015, Niyogi Books published his first photography retrospective in collaboration with the Museum of Sacred Art (Belgium). His 2021 dance film was invited to the Global Mental Health Summit's "India Spotlight" section, supported by the Chopra and Hinduja Foundations, and screened at international film festivals in Europe and India. He is currently producing his second mind and body art project, Krida Yatra, which aims to connect life with the sacred. He is also shaping ideas for his first feature film.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a lifelong yogi and light artist, I create captivating dance films that explore the transformative power of light and movement. My latest work, REVERIE KRIDA, exemplifies this fusion. Produced with renowned filmmaker Godfrey Reggio, the film utilizes innovative techniques to narrate the mind-body-spirit connection, drawing from my background in Hatha and Bhakti yoga, Eastern philosophy, and photography.