In a landmark achievement for Indian cinema, ‘Boong’, a Manipuri-language coming-of-age film, has won the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the 2026 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards. The victory marks a significant global recognition for regional Indian storytelling on an international stage.
Triumph Over Global Blockbusters
Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, the 2024 film secured the award ahead of major international contenders including ‘Zootopia 2’, ‘Lilo & Stitch’, and ‘Arco’. The category featured strong competition from high-profile Hollywood productions, making the win particularly notable.
The award was presented in a memorable moment by the fictional character Paddington Bear, who delivered a light-hearted monologue while announcing the winner. The nominations for the BAFTAs were revealed earlier in January.
Story Rooted in Manipur’s Realities
‘Boong’ centres on a young schoolboy navigating racial tensions and the socio-political complexities of life along the Manipur border. The narrative follows his emotional journey as he confronts prejudice, uncertainty and fractured family ties.
Set against a backdrop of social strain, the film blends a child’s perspective with deeper themes of identity, belonging and resilience. Its grounded storytelling and regional authenticity have been widely praised for bringing underrepresented narratives to a global audience.
Global Spotlight on Regional Indian Cinema
The win underscores the growing international recognition of Indian regional cinema beyond mainstream Hindi-language films. By winning in a family-focused category, ‘Boong’ has highlighted the universality of its themes despite its rooted cultural context.
The film’s production team described the nomination earlier as an honour, and the eventual win reflects the expanding global footprint of Indian storytellers in prestigious award circuits.
Important Facts
- BAFTA stands for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
- Manipur is a northeastern state of India bordering Myanmar.
- Children’s and family films often address social themes through accessible narratives.
- Indian regional cinema includes films made in languages other than Hindi.
Milestone for Indian Film Industry
The success of ‘Boong’ at the BAFTA Awards 2026 represents a milestone for Manipuri cinema and Indian regional filmmaking. It signals broader global acceptance of diverse Indian narratives and reinforces the country’s growing influence in international film platforms.