What a moment for Indian cinema and especially for the Northeast! The Manipuri-language film Boong made the country proud by taking home the Best Children’s & Family Film trophy at the 79th British Academy Film Awards. Backed by Farhan Akhtar, the film triumphed over strong international contenders on one of cinema’s biggest stages.
Produced by Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures, Boong edged past Zootropolis 2, Arco and Lilo & Stitch in its category. The award was presented at the Royal Festival Hall in London, where director Lakshmipriya Devi and producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar and Alan McAlex accepted the honour.
A photograph from the ceremony captured Alan McAlex, Farhan Akhtar, Lakshmipriya Devi and Ritesh Sidhwani posing with the BAFTA trophy for Children’s & Family Film. (AP Photo)
The film tells a deeply emotional story set in Manipur during a period of social and political tension. The title translates to “little boy" in Manipuri. At its heart is Boong, played by Gugun Kipgen, who believes that reuniting his estranged father with the family would be the most meaningful gift he could give his mother, Mandakini, portrayed by Bala Hijam. With the support of his best friend Raju, played by Angom Sanamatum, the young boy embarks on a journey to the border town of Moreh and even crosses into Myanmar in search of his father.
According to the makers, Boong “revolves around a little boy who plans to surprise his mother with a special gift. He believes that bringing his absentee father back home would be the most meaningful present. The search for his father disintegrates his world but culminates in an unexpected gift."
The film first premiered at the 2024 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival and went on to be screened at the Warsaw International Film Festival, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, among others, ahead of its theatrical release in September 2025.
Speaking about why he chose to back the project, Farhan Akhtar reflected on his long association with the director and the story’s emotional appeal. He told ANI, “Lakshmipriya Devi and I have known each other for about 20 years. This film is set in a region of India from which we rarely get to watch films. It was nice to support that as well, and it’s a very heartwarming story. So, it just felt right."
Farhan attended the ceremony with his wife Shibani Dandekar, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
The BAFTA win marks a significant milestone for regional Indian cinema.
