Manipuri-language film Boong is set for a theatrical re-release on March 6 after creating history by winning the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award for 'Best Children and Family Film' at the 79th British Academy Film Awards. Written and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, the film became the first Indian movie to win in this category.
Earlier in September 2024, Boong had a limited release in selected theatres across India but failed to draw large audiences. The film is produced by Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures. Excel Entertainment, owned by Farhan Akhtar, announced the re-release and shared a new poster on Instagram following the big win.
At the BAFTAs, Boong won against international films like Arco, Lilo & Stitch and Zootopia 2. This victory is a proud moment for Indian cinema.
The story of Boong is simple and emotional. It is about a young boy who wants to give his mother a special gift. He does not want to buy anything. Instead, he wants to bring his father back home. His father had left and never returned. The boy believes that finding him and bringing him back would be the best gift for his mother. So, he sets out on a journey, which turns out to be very different from what he expected.
Gugun Kipgen plays Boong, and the entire cast is from Manipur, which makes the film feel very real and close to its roots.
Before winning the BAFTA, the film travelled to many international film festivals. It was first shown at the Toronto International Film Festival and later screened at festivals in Warsaw, Sao Paulo, Adelaide and Tallinn, but after the BAFTA win, everything has changed. Now, Boong is getting the wide theatrical release it truly deserves.
