Highlights:
- Boong won Best Children’s and Family Film at the 79th BAFTA Awards.
- Boong is the first Indian film to win in this category.
- The film is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and is in the Manipuri language.
- Boong competed against major studio films including Zootopia 2 and the live-action Lilo & Stitch.
- The success of Boong marks a milestone for regional Indian cinema on the global stage.
A Manipuri-language film from India’s northeast has won one of the top honors at the 79th British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards, marking a significant moment for regional Indian cinema. Boong won Best Children’s and Family Film at the ceremony held at the Royal Festival Hall in London on February 22, 2026.
The win makes Boong the first Indian film to receive the award in this category at the BAFTAs. The announcement came during the main ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall, where Lakshmipriya Devi and Ritesh Sidhwani accepted the award on stage. Actor-producer Farhan Akhtar and a costumed Paddington Bear were also present during the presentation.
The recognition for Boong places a small-budget regional Indian film alongside major international studio productions and signals a shift in how global awards platforms view stories told in regional languages.
Boong: Story, Language, and Setting
Boong, which means “little boy” in Manipuri, centers on a young boy searching for his missing father. The lead role in Boong is played by first-time child actor Gugun Kipgen. In the film, the boy believes that bringing his long-absent father home is the greatest gift he can give his mother.
The narrative of Boong begins in the Manipur Valley and moves toward Moreh, a border town between India and Myanmar. The journey then extends across the border. What starts as a child’s mission to reunite his family gradually becomes a coming-of-age story.
As Boong unfolds, the protagonist confronts difficult truths about his father. The story expands beyond a personal search and addresses themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. The setting reflects a region shaped by social and political tensions, which form a backdrop to the boy’s emotional journey.
By keeping the film in the Manipuri language, Boong remains rooted in its cultural and geographic context. The decision not to shift to Hindi or English reinforces the authenticity of the storytelling.
Boong Against Major Studio Competition
At the BAFTAs, Boong faced competition from large-scale international productions. Among the nominees were Zootopia 2, the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, and the French animated feature Arco. These films were backed by established studios and global marketing campaigns.
In contrast, Boong was made on a modest budget and did not have the promotional reach of its competitors. Its recognition by the British Academy highlights the film’s storytelling strength rather than commercial scale.
The award signals that films such as Boong can compete directly with studio-backed productions when evaluated on narrative impact and craft.
Support and International Recognition for Boong
Boong was supported by Indian actor-producer Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. Prior to its BAFTA success, Boong had already drawn attention at international film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival.
The festival screenings helped introduce Boong to a global audience and positioned it within international conversations about children’s and family cinema. The BAFTA win builds on that momentum and expands the reach of the film beyond festival circuits.
Boong and the Future of Regional Indian Cinema
The success of Boong is being viewed as a broader development for Indian regional cinema. Filmmakers from India’s northeast and other regions have often faced limited visibility on international platforms. The BAFTA recognition for Boong demonstrates that regional-language films can achieve global acknowledgment without altering their linguistic or cultural foundations.
Industry observers note that Boong challenges the assumption that international recognition requires a shift to widely spoken languages. Instead, Boong shows that authenticity in storytelling can resonate across borders.
The BAFTA trophy awarded to Boong represents more than a single achievement. It underscores the growing presence of regional narratives in global cinema and suggests new opportunities for filmmakers working outside mainstream Indian film industries.
With its win at the 79th BAFTA Awards, Boong has established a precedent. The film’s recognition may encourage further investment and attention toward regional projects, particularly those told in local languages. As Boong continues to gain visibility, it stands as an example of how culturally specific stories can connect with international audiences while remaining grounded in their place of origin.
