BY MAHADEV DESAI
The Manipuri feature Boong has scripted a landmark moment in Indian cinema by winning the 2026 BAFTA Award for Best Children’s and Family Film at the Royal Festival Hall in London on February 22, 2026. The win is historic on several fronts: Boong is the first Indian film ever to receive a BAFTA in this category, and it is also the first film directed by an Indian woman to win a BAFTA in any category. For India’s women filmmakers—especially those working outside the mainstream Hindi film industry—this recognition marks a deeply affirming milestone.
Boong has also been screened in the United States, including as an official selection at the San Diego Asian Film Festival, one of the country’s prominent showcases for Asian and Asian-diaspora cinema.
Boong marks the directorial debut of Lakshmipriya Devi, a Manipuri filmmaker whose sensitive storytelling and grounded visual style have drawn international praise. The film is co‑produced by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, a collaboration that helped bring a regional story to a global platform without diluting its cultural roots.
The film premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2024, where it immediately attracted attention for its emotional depth and its portrayal of childhood resilience in a conflict‑affected region.
Set in a small Manipuri village, Boong follows the journey of a spirited young boy named Boong (played by Gugun Kipgen), who lives with his single mother Mandakini (Bala Hijam). His father, Joykumar (Hamom Sadananda), has mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind unanswered questions and a quiet ache in the family.
Determined to “bring home the best gift ever” for his mother, Boong sets out to find his missing father. Accompanied by his loyal friend Raju (Angom Sanamatum), the two boys travel from their village to the border town of Moreh and eventually into Myanmar. Their journey—sometimes humorous, sometimes heart‑tugging—unfolds against the backdrop of displacement, fragile borders, and the search for identity.
The film’s strength lies in its gentle storytelling. It explores themes of family bonds, resilience, hope, and belonging, while maintaining the innocence and curiosity of childhood. Critics have praised its ability to portray a politically complex region through the eyes of a child without losing emotional clarity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, stating:
“Congratulations to all those associated with this film. This is indeed a moment of immense joy, especially for Manipur. It also highlights the immense creative talent in our nation.”
For Manipur—Boong offers a rare moment of collective pride and global visibility.
In her acceptance speech, Lakshmipriya Devi spoke with emotion about the film’s roots and its message:
“This award belongs to the people of Manipur, to every child who dares to hope, and to every mother who keeps her family together through unimaginable challenges. I made Boong to show that even in the smallest corners of the world, stories of courage shine brightly.”
Her words were met with warm applause, reflecting how deeply the film’s message resonated with the international audience.
Boong is not yet available on streaming platforms, but its BAFTA win is expected to accelerate global distribution. For now, it deserves a place on your “To Watch” list, especially if you appreciate regional Indian cinema and stories told with authenticity and heart!
