Manipur on the Global Map: 'Boong' Wins Big at the BAFTAs!

In a monumental night for Indian cinema, the Manipuri-language film Boong scripted history at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA 2026). The film, backed by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, clinched the prestigious award for Best Children’s and Family Film, marking the first time an Indian production has ever won in this category.

Held on February 22, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, the ceremony saw the small-budget indie gem triumph over Hollywood heavyweights, proving that heartfelt storytelling knows no borders.

 

A Historic Win Against Hollywood Giants

The victory of Boong is being hailed as a "David vs. Goliath" moment. The film was nominated alongside some of the biggest animated blockbusters of the year, including:

• Zootopia 2 (Disney)
• Lilo & Stitch (Live-action remake)
• Arco (French animated feature)

Despite the massive commercial scale of its competitors, the BAFTA jury chose the grounded, emotionally resonant narrative of Boong. The award was presented in a whimsical moment by Paddington Bear, who joked about getting marmalade on the trophy before handing it to director Lakshmipriya Devi and producer Farhan Akhtar.

What is 'Boong' About?

Directed by debutante Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong (which means "little boy" in Manipuri) is a poignant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the socio-political tensions in Manipur.

• The Plot: The story follows a young schoolboy named Boong (played by Gugun Kipgen) who believes that the "best gift" he can give his mother is to bring back his missing father.
• The Journey: His search leads him from the hills of Manipur to the border town of Moreh and eventually across into Myanmar.
• The Theme: While navigating themes of racial tension and family separation, the film maintains a sense of childhood innocence and hope, ultimately delivering a message of new beginnings.

Farhan Akhtar on the Win: "It Just Felt Right"

Farhan Akhtar, who attended the ceremony with wife Shibani Dandekar, expressed immense pride in the project. Having known director Lakshmipriya Devi for nearly 20 years, Akhtar noted that backing the film was an easy decision.

"This film is set in a region of India from which we rarely get to watch films. It was nice to support that, and it's a very heartwarming story. It just felt right," Akhtar shared on the red carpet.

The film was co-produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, and Shujaat Saudagar under the banners of Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment, and Suitable Pictures.

 

Key Highlights: BAFTA 2026 Indian Presence

Feature	Details
Winning Film	Boong (Manipuri Language)
Category	Best Children’s and Family Film
Director	Lakshmipriya Devi
Producers	Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani (Excel Entertainment)
Notable Presenter	Alia Bhatt, who presented the Best Film Not in English Language award

 

The Rise of Regional Indian Cinema

The global success of Boong—which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 and won accolades at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne—signals a shift in how Indian cinema is perceived abroad. It moves the spotlight away from typical "Bollywood" tropes and toward the diverse, raw stories emerging from India's Northeast.

For Manipur, a region with a rich but often overlooked cinematic history, this BAFTA win is more than just a trophy; it is a validation of its cultural narrative on the grandest stage of world cinema.