LONDON — In a landmark moment for Indian cinema, the Manipuri-language film 'Boong' was crowned Best Children’s & Family Film at the 79th BAFTA Awards on February 22, 2026. The win marks the first time an Indian production has ever triumphed in this specific category, signaling a major shift in the global recognition of India’s regional storytelling.
Directed by debutant Lakshmipriya Devi, the independent drama pulled off a stunning upset, beating out high-budget Hollywood contenders including Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and Zootopia 2, as well as the acclaimed French sci-fi film Arco.
A Quest for Family Amidst Tensions
Set against the backdrop of a village in Manipur, Boong follows the journey of a young boy named Boong (played by newcomer Gugun Kipgen). When his father goes missing, Boong and his best friend Raju (Angom Sanamatum) embark on a daring quest to find him and reunite their family.
Their adventure takes them from the misty hills of Manipur to the bustling border town of Moreh and eventually across the frontier into Myanmar. While the film is a coming-of-age story at its heart, it subtly navigates complex themes of:
Resilience: How children maintain hope in fractured environments.
Identity: The nuances of growing up in a culturally diverse yet politically sensitive border region.
Social Realities: Addressing issues like racial prejudice and LGBTQ+ discrimination without resorting to melodrama.
From Assistant Director to BAFTA Winner
The victory is a crowning achievement for director Lakshmipriya Devi. Though Boong is her directorial debut, Devi is a seasoned veteran of the Indian film industry. For 20 years, she served as a first assistant director on iconic Bollywood films such as Lakshya, PK, Talaash, and Rang De Basanti.
Devi, a native of Manipur, drew inspiration from her own childhood. She recalled listening to her grandmother’s folktales under a mosquito net while gunfire echoed in the distance during the insurgency of the late 1970s. "I wanted to take that warmth and safety I felt in those stories and create an urban version that reflects the resilience of my people," Devi stated in a previous interview.
Production and Global Journey
The film’s path to the BAFTAs began with its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2024. It was produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment, alongside Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures.
Notably, the film was shot in 2023, just months before the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur. This timing added a layer of poignancy to the project, which Devi and the producers have used as a platform to call for peace in the region.
A Plea for Peace
Accepting the award on stage alongside producers Akhtar and Sidhwani, Devi delivered an emotional speech. She dedicated the trophy to the "ignored stories" of Manipur and made a plea for forgiveness and reconciliation in her home state.
The win has been hailed by industry experts as a "milestone for Northeast Indian cinema," proving that deeply rooted, regional stories can resonate with a global audience and challenge the dominance of major international studios.
Key Film Information:
Director/Writer: Lakshmipriya Devi
Lead Cast: Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam, Angom Sanamatum
Language: Manipuri
Release Date: Limited Indian theatrical release on September 19, 2025
Award: Best Children’s & Family Film (79th BAFTA Awards)
