Manipuri film ‘Boong’ created history in BAFTA 2026, won the award by defeating Hollywood, director asked for peace for Manipur

New Delhi: Indian cinema has created history at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ BAFTA Awards 2206. Manipuri language film ‘Boong’ won in the Best Children and Family Film category, the first win in this category by an Indian film. This film, made under the banner of Excel Entertainment, was successful in hoisting the Indian flag on the BAFTA stage, beating the blockbuster Hollywood films.

Boong, produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, won the award, beating strong competitors like ‘Lilo & Stitch’, ‘Zootopia 2’ and ‘Arco’. Director Lakshmipriya Devi’s debut film has now been crowned the winner after receiving nominations in January, giving Indian regional cinema a new identity on the global stage.

New Delhi: Indian cinema has created history in the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ BAFTA Awards 2206. Manipuri language film ‘Boong’ won in the Best Children and Family Film category, the first win in this category by an Indian film. This film, made under the banner of Excel Entertainment, was successful in hoisting the Indian flag on the BAFTA stage, beating the blockbuster Hollywood films. Boong, produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, won the award, beating strong competitors like ‘Lilo & Stitch’, ‘Zootopia 2’ and ‘Arco’. Director Lakshmipriya Devi’s debut film has now been crowned the winner after receiving nominations in January, giving Indian regional cinema a new identity on the global stage. Historic victory of Indian film at BAFTA. Manipuri film ‘Boong’ won the Best Children and Family Film award at BAFTA 2026. This is the first win in this category for Indian cinema, where big Hollywood films were also in the fray. Director and writer Lakshmipriya Devi gave an emotional speech on stage after receiving the Director’s Emotional Speech Award. He appealed for peace in Manipur. Lakshmipriya said – Using this opportunity, I just want to say that we pray for the return of peace in Manipur. We pray that all the displaced children, including the child actors in the film, can find their happiness, their innocence and their dreams once again. We pray that no fight should be so big that it destroys the one super power that we all have as human beings. Thank you BAFTA for not only giving us an award but also giving us this platform to express our hope. What is the story of Boong? ‘Boong’ is a coming-of-age drama based on the story of a little boy from Manipur. To make his troubled single mother happy, he sets out to find his missing father. The film sensitively depicts deep issues like belonging, displacement and the socio-political situation of the area. Star cast of the film: Artists like Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam, Angom Sanmatum, Vikram Kochhar, Nemetiya Nangbam, Jenny Khurai and Hamom Sadanand have played important roles in the film. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024.

Historic win of Indian film at BAFTA

Manipuri film ‘Boong’ won the Best Children and Family Film award at BAFTA 2026. This is the first win in this category for Indian cinema, where big Hollywood films were also in the fray.

Director’s emotional speech

After receiving the award, director and writer Lakshmipriya Devi gave an emotional speech on stage. He appealed for peace in Manipur. Lakshmipriya said – Using this opportunity, I just want to say that we pray for the return of peace in Manipur. We pray that all the displaced children, including the child actors in the film, can find their happiness, their innocence and their dreams once again. We pray that no fight should be so big that it destroys the one super power that we all have as human beings. Thank you BAFTA for not only giving us an award but also giving us this platform to express our hope.

What is the story of Boong?

‘Boong’ is a coming-of-age drama based on the story of a little boy from Manipur. To make his troubled single mother happy, he sets out to find his missing father. The film sensitively depicts deep issues like belonging, displacement and the socio-political situation of the area.

star cast of the film

Artists like Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam, Angom Sanmatum, Vikram Kochhar, Nemetiya Nangbam, Jenny Khurai and Hamom Sadanand have played important roles in the film. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024.