India celebrated a historic moment at the 79th British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards held in London on February 22, as the Manipuri coming-of-age film Boong won the award for Best Children’s & Family Film. The film, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, became the first Indian production to win in this category.
Produced by Excel Entertainment, co-founded by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, Boong was the only Indian film nominated this year. It beat international contenders including Lilo & Stitch, Arco and Zootropolis 2.
The award ceremony took place at London’s Royal Festival Hall in a star-studded event celebrating global cinema.
A Story Rooted in Manipur
Boong tells the story of a young boy, Brojendro “Boong” Singh, played by Gugun Kipgen, who sets out to find his missing father as a surprise for his mother. The film is set in Manipur’s capital, Imphal, and also stars Bala Hijam.
Though told from a child’s perspective, the film touches on deeper themes like identity, migration and long-standing ethnic tensions in the northeastern state of Manipur, which has witnessed violent clashes since 2023.
Accepting the award, Lakshmipriya Devi used the global platform to speak about her home state.
“The walk up till here felt like the last few steps to reach the summit of a mountain we never knew we were climbing,” she said. “I just want to use this opportunity to say that we pray for peace to return in Manipur.”
She added, “We pray that all the internally displaced children, including the child actors in the film, regain their joy, their innocence and their dreams once again. We pray that no conflict is ever formidable enough to destroy the one superpower that all of us have as human beings — that is forgiveness.”
Inspired by Grandmother’s Folk Tales
Speaking backstage, Devi revealed that the film was inspired by stories told by her grandmother during difficult times in Manipur.
“I come from a very troubled state in India. Those folk tales always cushioned me. There would be gunshots in the distance but I felt safe with her,” she said. “I wanted Boong to be an urban version of her folk tales with the same kind of warmth that made you feel safe.”
The film was completed before the recent wave of ethnic violence began, but its recognition has brought fresh attention to the region’s struggles.
Farhan Akhtar: ‘It Just Felt Right’
Producer Farhan Akhtar expressed pride in supporting a film from a region rarely represented in mainstream Indian cinema.
“I have known Lakshmipriya for years and backing a film set in a region of India from which we rarely get to watch films just felt right,” he said after the win.
Boong had premiered in the Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 and later screened at several global festivals before its limited release in India.
Congratulations Pour In
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, calling it “a moment of immense joy, especially for Manipur” and said the film highlights “the immense creative talent in our country.”
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh described the win as a matter of pride for both the state and the nation. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the film “has created history” by becoming the first Indian production to win in this category.
India’s Presence Felt at BAFTA
The evening had other strong Indian moments. Actor Alia Bhatt presented the award for Best Film Not in English Language. Greeting the audience with “Namaskar,” she said, “While a film speaks in countless voices, what we always celebrate is the language of cinema. And that one we all speak fluently.”
The ceremony also honoured late Bollywood legend Dharmendra during the In Memoriam tribute, highlighting India’s lasting contribution to global cinema.
With Boong’s historic BAFTA win, a small film from Manipur has placed India’s northeast firmly on the world cinema map, turning a deeply local story into a global moment of pride.
