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Manipuri Film Boong Makes History With BAFTA Win
In a landmark moment for Indian cinema, the Manipuri-language film Boong has won the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) — the first Indian film ever to win in this category. The ceremony took place in London, where Boong stood out among global contenders and brought international recognition to regional Indian storytelling.
The film — directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced under the banners of Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures by Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani and others — clinched the trophy by competing against major international titles including Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch.
What Boong Is About
Boong is a heartfelt coming-of-age drama set in Manipur that follows a young boy’s poignant journey. The protagonist, played by Gugun Kipgen, is a Kuki-Zo tribal boy seeking to reunite his family amid social and political tensions. With his best friend Raju, he ventures to find his missing father, believing this is the best way to bring joy back to his mother.
The story weaves together themes of innocence, resilience and hope, while also touching on deeper issues such as racial tension, identity, insurgency and LGBTQ+ discrimination — offering a narrative that resonates far beyond its regional roots.
Before its BAFTA triumph, Boong premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and was screened at prestigious events like the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and the Warsaw International Film Festival, winning praise from critics worldwide.
Boong’s Historic Win and Reactions
The film’s victory at the BAFTAs is being celebrated as a milestone for Indian cinema, especially for films from the Northeast region, which have often remained on the margins of mainstream attention. Producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani were on stage to collect the award alongside director Lakshmipriya Devi.
After the win, Ritesh Sidhwani told media that the recognition reaffirms how stories with authentic voices and deep meaning can resonate globally — saying the win is “for the many unheard voices across India.”
National Pride and Political Appreciation
In India, the victory sparked widespread celebration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Boong team on social media, calling the achievement “a moment of immense joy, especially for Manipur,” and praised the film for highlighting India’s creative talent on the global stage.
The Manipur government also hailed the win as a symbol of hope and pride, noting that the film’s success reflects the rich cultural heritage of the state and amplifies voices from a region deeply impacted by conflict and struggle.
Significance for Indian and Regional Cinema
Boong’s win is significant not just for the accolade itself but for what it represents: a breakthrough moment for regional Indian films on the world stage. Its success signals how diverse narratives rooted in India’s varied cultural landscapes are gaining international recognition, challenging the dominance of mainstream Bollywood productions.
Critics and film lovers see the BAFTA win as an encouraging step toward broader acceptance of India’s cinematic diversity, inspiring filmmakers from smaller film communities to pursue global platforms.
The Road Ahead
With this win, Boong not only joins the list of globally celebrated films from India but sets a new benchmark for regional cinema’s potential. Its emotional narrative, international acclaim, and heartfelt themes are likely to draw more global audiences to Indian films beyond Bollywood — strengthening cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration worldwide.
Summary:
- Boong, a Manipuri film directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, won the Best Children’s & Family Film at the 2026 BAFTA Awards — a first for India.
- The film’s story, cast and international festival run helped it stand out among strong competition.
- Celebrations have poured in from the Indian film industry, national leaders, and the Manipur government.
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