In a historic triumph for Indian cinema, Boong, a children’s film in Manipuri language produced by actor-producer Farhan Akhtar, won a significant award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards in London on February 22, 2026. The film won the Best Children’s & Family Film award, which is a historic victory for a regional Indian film on one of the most prestigious platforms for cinema in the world.
Boong, produced by Akhtar and his long-time partner Ritesh Sidhwani, has become a beacon of hope for the potential of powerful storytelling from India’s Northeast to touch hearts across the globe. The award was accepted on stage by the team of the film, including director Lakshmipriya Devi, who gave a moving speech not only celebrating the victory of the film but also the need for peace and healing in her home state of Manipur.
“It Just Felt Right”
Talking about his experience of supporting the film, Akhtar said, “I have known Lakshmipriya Devi for almost two decades. When she came to me with Boong, it was one of those things that just felt right.”
“It just felt right,” Akhtar said, recalling that the honesty and warmth of the film were evident from the very start. For him, the choice was more than just a business decision. The innocence, authenticity, and cultural relevance of the story convinced him that it needed a bigger stage.
Akhtar also stressed the need to give more representation to regions that are not normally featured in mainstream Indian cinema. Through his support for Boong, he wanted to help bring about a greater awareness of the diverse voices that are part of the Indian film industry.
About Boong
Boong is a moving coming-of-age story set in Manipur, and it is the feature debut of director Lakshmipriya Devi. The film is a moving story of a young boy’s journey to bring his family together, and it explores the themes of hope, strength, and belonging. The simple yet moving story of the film resonated with audiences and critics from around the world.
Before its win at the BAFTAs, the film had already received recognition at the international film festival circuit, where it was showcased at some of the most prestigious platforms and was appreciated for its honesty and cultural relevance.
A Milestone for Indian Regional Cinema
The win at the BAFTAs is seen as a turning point for Indian regional cinema, especially for directors from the Northeast. Although Bollywood films have regularly represented India at international platforms, Boong’s win is a testament to the increasing demand for genuine and localized content at a global level.
For Akhtar, the win is more than just a personal achievement, as it is a testament to his conviction that good stories are not limited by language or geography. As the Indian film industry continues to develop and expand, the historic win by Boong at the BAFTAs is a strong reminder that sometimes, following one’s intuition, when something “just feels right,” can result in something truly remarkable.
