In a landmark moment for Indian cinema, the Manipuri-language film Boong has won the prestigious Best Children’s and Family Film award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) 2026. This victory marks the first time an Indian production has secured a win in this specific category, triumphing over major international contenders including Disney’s Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch.
The film’s debut director, Lakshmipriya Devi, accepted the trophy at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night. She was joined on stage by producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment. The award was presented in a lighthearted moment by the iconic character Paddington Bear, but the acceptance speech carried a heavy and poignant message regarding the current state of Manipur.
Prime Minister’s Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to celebrate the historic win, describing it as a moment of “immense joy” for the entire country, and specifically for the state of Manipur.
“Congratulations to all those associated with this film,” the Prime Minister shared on X. “This is indeed a moment of immense joy, especially for Manipur. It also highlights the immense creative talent in our nation.”
The PM’s message underscored the rising influence of regional Indian cinema on the global stage, noting that such accolades bring much-needed visibility to the artistic depth of Northeast India.
A Story of Hope Amidst Conflict
Boong follows the journey of a young, mischievous schoolboy named Boong (played by newcomer Gugun Kipgen) living in a small village in Manipur. Driven by a desire to surprise his mother for her birthday, Boong decides that the ultimate gift would be to find his missing father and bring him back home.
The film captures Boong’s adventure from the hills of Manipur to the border town of Moreh and even across the border into Myanmar. Along the way, he is accompanied by his best friend Raju (played by Angom Sanamatum), a boy from a different cultural background. Together, they navigate a landscape marked by ethno-racial tensions and social unrest, yet seen through the innocent and resilient eyes of a child.
Director’s Emotional Plea
During her acceptance speech, Lakshmipriya Devi moved the audience with a prayer for her home state. She highlighted that many of the child actors in the film, including the lead, have been affected by the ongoing displacement in the region.
“We pray for peace to return to Manipur,” Devi stated. “We pray that all the internally displaced children, including the child actors in the film, regain their joy, their innocence, and their dreams once again.”
Production and Cast
The film is a collaborative effort produced by Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment, and Suitable Pictures. The cast features Gugun Kipgen as Boong, Bala Hijam Ningthoujam as Mandakini (Boong’s mother), Angom Sanamatum as Raju and Vikram Kochhar as Sudhir Agarwal.
The win is being viewed by industry experts as a breakthrough for independent and regional storytelling in India. By beating Hollywood blockbusters, Boong has proven that deeply local stories, when told with authenticity and heart, possess a universal appeal that resonates with global audiences. To know such latest updates updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
