Manipuri Film ‘Boong’ Makes History with BAFTA Win

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: In a historic milestone for Indian cinema, the Manipuri-language film ‘Boong’ clinched the prestigious Best Children’s & Family Film award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) in London on February 22, 2026.

The debut feature by director Lakshmipriya Devi outshone global heavyweights, including Hollywood blockbusters like Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch, as well as the French feature Arco. This victory marks the first time an Indian production has ever won in this specific category at the BAFTAs, signaling a new era of global recognition for regional Indian storytelling.

A Tale of Innocence and Resilience

Set against the vibrant yet complex backdrop of Manipur, Boong (which means “little boy” in Manipuri) follows the journey of a young schoolboy named Brojendro, played by Gugun Kipgen.

Determined to surprise his mother, Mandakini (played by Bala Hijam), with the ultimate gift, Boong sets out on a daring quest to find and bring back his absentee father from the border town of Moreh. Accompanied by his best friend Raju (Angom Sanamatum), Boong’s adventure becomes a poignant exploration of childhood innocence clashing with the harsh realities of ethnic discord and social boundaries.

Key Details of the Production

• Director: Lakshmipriya Devi (Debut)
• Producers: Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani (Excel Entertainment), Alan McAlex, Vikesh Bhutani, and Shujaat Saudagar.
• Lead Cast: Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam, Angom Sanamatum.
• Premiere: 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

An Emotional Plea for Peace

The award ceremony, held at the Royal Festival Hall, witnessed an emotional acceptance speech from Lakshmipriya Devi. Flanked by producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, the filmmaker dedicated the win to her homeland, which has faced significant ethnic unrest since 2023.

“The walk up till here felt like the last few steps to reach a summit of a mountain we never knew we were climbing,” Devi remarked. “We pray for peace to return to Manipur. We pray that all the internally displaced children, including the child actors in the film, regain their joy and their dreams once again.”

She concluded by highlighting the “superpower” of forgiveness, a central theme that resonated deeply with the BAFTA jury.

Why This Win Matters

The triumph of Boong is significant not just for its artistic merit but for its cultural impact. Farhan Akhtar, who has backed the project for over two years, noted that the film gives a voice to a region often “ignored and unrepresented” in mainstream Indian cinema.

By winning on a stage shared by international icons—and receiving the trophy from none other than Paddington Bear—Boong has proved that deeply rooted, local stories possess a universal language that transcends borders.

The 2026 BAFTAs also saw other Indian highlights, with actor Alia Bhatt appearing as a guest presenter, further cementing India’s growing presence in the global film circuit.