‘Boong’, a Manipuri film supported by actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, has been selected as the Spotlight Film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025. The film is set to make its Victorian state premiere in Australia this August.
Produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment, ‘Boong’ is directed by debutant Lakshmipriya Devi, who has worked as the first assistant director on major projects like ‘Luck by Chance’, ‘Talaash’, and Aamir Khan’s ‘PK’.
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Manipur valley, ‘Boong’ tells the poignant story of a young boy, Boong, portrayed by Gugun Kipgen. The narrative follows Boong’s touching journey to reunite his family by surprising his mother, played by Bala Hijam, with his absentee father. This quest, filled with innocence, leads to unexpected revelations and emotional discoveries.
The film has already garnered attention for its storytelling, winning several accolades. It was awarded Best Feature Film at the International South Asian Film Festival in Canada, and also took home the Best Youthful Film award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Australia. Additionally, it won the Audience Choice Award for Best Narrative Feature Film at The Indie Meme Film Festival.
Lakshmipriya Devi has received critical acclaim for her work, earning the Best Director title at the Bulbul Children’s International Film Festival in Goa. Her ability to weave a compelling narrative that resonates across cultures has been widely praised, marking her as a rising talent in the global film industry.
The recognition of ‘Boong’ at the IFFM reflects the growing appeal of Indian regional films in international markets.
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