Manipuri film Boong just made history by bagging the BAFTA for Best Children’s and Family Film at the 2026 awards beating out Hollywood giants like Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and Zootopia 2. It’s the first Indian film ever to win in this category, backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment. Let’s chat all about this gem that’s putting Northeast India on the global map.
What’s Boong actually about?
In the a tiny village of Manipur, little Boong, a wide-eyed boy played by newcomer Gugun Kipgen, wants to give his mom the ultimate surprise gift. His big plan? Track down his absentee father and bring him home for a family reunion. But innocence meets harsh reality as his innocent quest from Manipur’s hills to the border town of Moreh (and even across the border into Myanmar) shatters his world and delivers an unexpected twist of growth and renewal. It’s a heartfelt coming-of-age tale is full hearty laughs and emotional punches but without any melodrama.
Who’s behind this magic?
Meet Lakshmipriya Devi, the writer-director making her feature debut after assisting on Bollywood biggies like Lakshya and PK. She crafts a story that’s simple yet profound, shot in stunning Manipuri landscapes with local flavour. Excel Entertainment jumped on board, proving Bollywood’s big guns are betting on regional stories. The film premiered at Toronto International Film Festival 2024, hit Indian theatres in September 2025, and now it’s BAFTA gold.
Who stars in it?
There are no A-listers here, just raw talent shining bright. Gugun Kipgen plays the titular character of Boong. The kid steals every scene with his pure-hearted charm. Angom Sanamatum plays Boong’s best friend Raju Agarwal. Bala Hijam plays Boong’s mother Mandakini who brings quiet strength and heartbreak. Actor Vikram Kochhar plays Sudhir Agarwal, Raju’s father.
The cast also includes Nemetia Ngangbam, Jenny Khurai, Modhubala Thoudam, and more locals like Edhou and Hamom Sadananda.
Boong is all about authentic faces telling a Manipuri story in its native tongue with subtitle for the global audience.
What awards has Boong nabbed so far?
Boong was already a festival darling before BAFTA. Apart from winning Best Children’s and Family Film at BAFTA 2026, the film has won
Best Feature Film at International South Asian Film Festival, Canada and Best Youth Film at Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Australia.
Here are other acheivements:
- International Film Festival of India: Nominated for Best Debut Director (Indian Feature).
- Bulbul Children’s International Film Festival, Goa: Best Director.
- The Indie Meme Film Festival: Audience Choice for Best Narrative Feature.
This win screams regional cinema rising!’ Manipur’s stories rarely hit the global radar, but Boong proves heart and honesty travel far.
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