Photo Source : The Sunday Guardian (Photo: Instagram/awesomeitv)
LONDON – In a historic moment for Indian cinema, the Manipuri-language film Boong has clinched the prestigious Best Children’s & Family Film award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs).
The win marks the first time an Indian production has taken home the trophy in this category, signaling a major breakthrough for regional storytelling on the global stage. Produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under their Excel Entertainment banner, alongside Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures, the film triumphed over heavy-hitting international nominees including Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, Zootopia 2, and the French animated feature Arco.
A Heartfelt Journey from Manipur to London
Directed by debutant filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong tells the poignant story of a young schoolboy (played by newcomer Gugun Kipgen) who embarks on a journey across the hills of Manipur to find his missing father. What begins as a child’s simple quest to bring his family back together evolves into a profound exploration of resilience and hope amidst the social and political tensions of Northeast India.
During her acceptance speech, an emotional Lakshmipriya Devi was joined on stage by producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. She received the award from a unique presenter: Paddington Bear.
“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 told the audience at the Royal Festival Hall. “We pray for peace to return to Manipur… we pray that no conflict is ever formidable enough to destroy the one superpower that all of us have as human beings, which is forgiveness.”
Farhan Akhtar on Backing the Vision
Producer Farhan Akhtar, who has a two-decade-long professional relationship with Lakshmipriya (she previously served as an assistant director on his film Lakshya), expressed immense pride in the project.
A “Right” Decision: Akhtar noted that backing the film felt natural because it represented a region rarely seen on the big screen.
Cultural Milestone: The film had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) before gaining momentum at international festivals in Mumbai, Melbourne, and Warsaw.
Why ‘Boong’ Resonated
Despite the massive commercial scale of competitors like Zootopia 2—a franchise that has grossed over $1.8 billion globally—the BAFTA jury opted for the “small film with big love.” Critics have praised Boong for its “gentle approach” to a story rooted in conflict, choosing to focus on childhood innocence rather than melodrama.
Awards at a Glance: BAFTA 2026
Best Children’s & Family Film – Boong (India)
Best Film – One Battle After Another
Best Actress – Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
Best Actor – Robert Aramayo (I Swear)
The ceremony also saw another high-profile Indian presence, as actor Alia Bhatt took the stage as a presenter for the Best Film Not in the English Language category.With this BAFTA win, Boong joins the ranks of elite Indian cinema that has managed to bridge the gap between local narratives and universal appeal.
