India had a powerful moment at the 79th British Academy Film Awards — and it came from the Northeast.
Boong, the debut feature by Manipuri filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi, clinched the BAFTA for Best Children’s & Family Film, beating major international contenders and putting regional Indian storytelling firmly in the global spotlight.
Backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under Excel Entertainment, the film’s win triggered celebrations across the country — from film stars to political leaders.
A Win That Echoed Beyond London
“Boong” triumphed in the Best Children’s & Family Film category, surpassing global studio heavyweights including Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch.
For a Manipuri-language debut feature to outperform franchise titles backed by major studios made the victory even more remarkable.
The film had earlier premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, building quiet international buzz before its BAFTA breakthrough.
Congratulations Pour In
Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh hailed the achievement as a proud milestone for both the state and the country, applauding Devi’s commitment to impactful storytelling.
Kangana Ranaut congratulated the team on social media, praising Devi’s speech and celebrating the honour.
Filmmaker Karan Johar also shared his pride online, calling the win an “incredible and honourable” moment.
The Indian Ministry of Culture described the achievement as a “proud moment for Indian cinema,” particularly highlighting the global recognition of Northeast India’s storytelling traditions.
The collective reaction made one thing clear — this wasn’t just a film win, it was a cultural statement.
Lakshmipriya Devi’s Emotional Speech
Taking the stage, Lakshmipriya Devi began her acceptance speech with “khurumjari,” a traditional greeting from Manipur.
She described the journey to BAFTA as climbing a mountain they didn’t even realise they were ascending.
The director spoke about how deeply personal the film is — rooted in a homeland often overlooked and troubled. She expressed hope for peace in Manipur and wished for displaced children, including some of her young actors, to regain their innocence and joy.
It was a speech that felt grounded, intimate, and deeply connected to real life.
What ‘Boong’ Is About
At its heart, “Boong” tells the story of a young boy in Manipur who sets out to surprise his mother by bringing back his absent father. What begins as a child’s hopeful mission unfolds into a transformative journey shaped by social and political realities.
Themes of childhood innocence, resilience, and the emotional cost of conflict run through the narrative.
Produced by Excel Entertainment alongside Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures, the film represents a rare spotlight moment for Manipuri cinema on the world stage.
Why This Win Matters
Indian cinema has seen growing global visibility in recent years — but most international recognition has centered on mainstream Hindi or big-budget films.
“Boong” changes that conversation.
It proves that regional stories, told in local languages and grounded in specific cultural realities, can resonate universally. The BAFTA win places Northeast India’s filmmaking voice in the international conversation in a way rarely seen before.
Final Words
“Boong” didn’t just win a trophy — it carved space.
For Manipuri cinema.
For regional storytellers.
For small films with big hearts.
And in a year filled with global blockbusters, it was a quiet, coming-of-age story from Manipur that walked away with one of the biggest honours in world cinema.
That’s not just a win. That’s history.
