Delhi, February 24, 2026 – The Manipuri film Boong has etched its name in history by clinching the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA 2026), marking the first Indian film to win in this category. Backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment, the coming-of-age drama has captivated global audiences with its heartfelt narrative set against Manipur’s socio-political backdrop.
Plot and Themes
Boong follows a young boy named Boong (Gugun Kipgen), living with his single mother Mandakini (Bala Hijam) in a Manipur village, as he embarks on a quest to find his missing father Joykumar. Refusing rumors of his father’s death, Boong teams up with best friend Raju (Angom Sanamatum) for a journey from Imphal to the Myanmar border town of Moreh, blending innocence, family bonds, and regional tensions like ethnic conflicts and cultural divides. The 94-minute film delicately explores abandonment, resilience, and forgiveness through a child’s eyes, earning praise for its emotional depth without heavy-handed messaging.
Cast and Crew Highlights
Directed and written by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong features standout newcomer Gugun Kipgen alongside Bala Hijam, Angom Sanamatum, Vikram Kochhar as Sudhir Agarwal, Nemetia Ngangbam as Juliana, Jenny Khurai, and Hamom Sadananda. Produced by Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment, and Suitable Pictures, the film premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in the Discovery section before theatrical release on September 19, 2025, in select PVR INOX cinemas.
Awards and Critical Acclaim
Beyond BAFTA 2026—where it beat Arco, Lilo & Stitch, and Zootopia 2—Boong has screened at Warsaw, São Paulo, Mumbai, and Adelaide film festivals. Critics hail its strong performances, especially Kipgen’s natural charm and chemistry with Sanamatum, calling it a “refreshing change” and a showcase for Northeast Indian cinema. Director Devi used her acceptance speech to highlight Manipur’s ongoing strife, praying for peace.
Box Office and Availability
Post-release, Boong collected around ₹15 crore in its first week in India, with a worldwide gross near ₹24 crore, impressive for a regional language film. Available on select streaming platforms and YouTube trailers, it continues to inspire with its universal themes—stream or catch screenings for a poignant watch on Manipuri culture and childhood dreams.
This BAFTA triumph underscores the rising global footprint of Indian regional cinema, proving small stories can achieve big victories.
