This time, the Indian Manipuri language comedy-drama feature film ‘Boong’ has been honored with the Best Children and Family Film Award at the BAFTA Awards, which is counted among the most prestigious awards in the world. This moment has been very special not only for the film team but for the entire country. It is indeed a matter of pride for a regional language film to be recognized on such a big international platform.
Excel Entertainment and Lakshmipriya Devi’s hard work
The film ‘Boong’ is made under the banner of Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment and it is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi. This was the first Indian film of this year to be nominated in BAFTA and now it has also received the award for Best Children and Family Film. It is clear that the story and presentation of the film has made a deep impact on the international jury.
Director became emotional while receiving the award
When Lakshmipriya Devi reached the stage to receive the award, Farhan Akhtar was also seen with her. This moment was very emotional for him. He thanked BAFTA from the stage and thanked him wholeheartedly for giving such great respect and love to his small film. He said, ‘Walking here felt like taking the last few steps to reach the top of a mountain that we never knew we could climb.’
Heartiest congratulations to the team of Boong on winning the BAFTA Award for Best Children’s and Family Film at the BAFTA Awards 2026.
A Manipuri-language film earning a distinguished international recognition reflects the immense talent, creativity, and resilience of our… pic.twitter.com/1YQ9xJ1Nqv
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) February 23, 2026
Victory dedicated to Manipur
In his speech he said, ‘This film and this victory is a tribute to my home state Manipur. Which is considered ‘ignored and unrepresented’ in India. The film is set in my hometown Manipur, a deeply troubled, neglected and under-represented region of India. I would like to take this opportunity to pray for the return of peace in Manipur. These words of his had made the people present there emotional.
Film story and festival journey
The feature film ‘Boong’ is the story of a schoolboy battling racial tension and the adversities of life on the Manipur border, who has experienced violence and neglect since birth. The film also closely shows the social and political tension prevailing in the state. In the story, a schoolboy is fighting to unite his scattered family and bring back his estranged father. Before BAFTA, ‘Boong’ premiered in the Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024. Apart from this, the film has also been screened at the 55th International Film Festival of India, Warsaw International Film Festival 2024 and Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025.
