Manipuri Film 'Boong' Triumphs at BAFTA 2026, Celebrated by Stars and Leaders
Celebrating 'Boong's' Historic Win
Boong, the inaugural feature film by Manipuri filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi, is bringing pride to India! At the 79th British Academy Film Awards, this coming-of-age narrative secured the Best Children’s & Family Film Award. Supported by Excel Entertainment, co-founded by Farhan Akhtar and Riteish Sidhwani, the film's success is being celebrated by celebrities, political figures, and the general public. Remarkably, it outperformed renowned Disney titles such as Zootopia, Lilo & Stitch, and Arlo to achieve this honor. Manipur's Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh, actress-politician Kangana Ranaut, filmmaker Karan Johar, and many others took to social media to commend the film and its creators.
'Boong' Receives BAFTA Recognition
Manipur's Chief Minister expressed on Twitter: "Smt Lakshmi Priya Devi's achievement at the 79th BAFTA 2026 showcases her dedication to meaningful filmmaking, with 'Boong' winning the prestigious Best Children & Family Film award, bringing pride to both Manipur and India."
Kangana also joined the accolades, stating, "Congratulations @lp_devi and the entire team of Boong for this award. You spoke so well and looked fantastic." Karan Johar shared, "#Proud! Huge congratulations to @faroutakhtar @ritesh_sid @lp_devi for this remarkable BAFTA win! #Boong" on his IG Story. Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of Culture hailed it as a "moment of pride for Indian cinema!" Their tweet read, "#Boong, a debut feature in Manipuri directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, has won the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the #Bafta Awards 2026 in London. This victory highlights India's regional storytelling, particularly from the Northeast, on a global stage."Director Lakshmipriya Devi's BAFTA Acceptance Speech
In her BAFTA acceptance speech, Lakshmipriya Devi greeted the audience with "khurumjari." She shared that reaching this milestone felt like climbing an unrecognized mountain. She expressed gratitude to the BAFTA jury for acknowledging their modest film. The director emphasized the film's deep ties to her homeland, a region often troubled and underrepresented. She also prayed for peace in Manipur, hoping that displaced children, including the film’s young actors, could reclaim their joy and innocence.
About 'Boong'
Boong narrates the tale of a young boy from Manipur who endeavors to surprise his mother by bringing back his estranged father. His journey turns his life upside down but leads to an unforeseen conclusion. The film is produced by Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment, and Suitable Pictures, and it previously premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.