New Delhi, February 23: The Indian film industry celebrated a proud moment on Monday. The Manipuri-language comedy-drama film ‘Boong’ made history at the prestigious BAFTA Awards 2026 by winning the Best Children and Family Film award. This achievement marks it as the first Indian film to win in this category. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed their happiness and congratulated the film’s team on this significant accomplishment.
Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform X to share his thoughts, stating, “Congratulations to everyone associated with this film. This is truly a joyous moment, especially for Manipur. It showcases the tremendous creative talent present in our country.”
Similarly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X, expressing her delight at ‘Boong’ making history at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. She noted, “I am very happy that the Manipuri Film ‘Boong’ has won the title of Best Children and Family Film despite all challenges. It is the first Indian production to achieve this in this category. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew. You have made the whole nation proud.”
‘Boong’ is produced under the banner of Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi. It is the first Indian film of the year to be nominated for a BAFTA and has now secured this award.
During the award ceremony, director Lakshmipriya Devi took the stage, accompanied by Farhan Akhtar. Emotionally, Lakshmipriya thanked the BAFTA and saluted the strength of Indian cinema.
The story of ‘Boong’ revolves around a schoolboy living on the border of Manipur. The boy has faced violence, racial tensions, and neglect since birth. The film sensitively portrays the social and political turmoil present in the state. The narrative follows the boy’s struggle to reunite his fractured family and bring back his long-lost father. The blend of comedy and drama adds emotional depth to the film.
Before the BAFTA, ‘Boong’ had already made its mark on several international platforms. It premiered in the Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024. Additionally, it was showcased at the 2024 Warsaw International Film Festival, the 55th International Film Festival of India (Goa), and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025, receiving critical acclaim at all these venues.
–
