A Manipuri-language film, "Boong," supported by Indian filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, has received the BAFTA award for Best Children’s & Family Film at the 79th British Academy Film Awards. The film triumphed over international competitors, including "Zootopia 2," "Arco," and "Lilo & Stitch," to secure the prestigious honor. This marks a notable achievement for regional Indian cinema on a global stage.
Event Overview
The 79th British Academy Film Awards ceremony took place at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The event recognized achievements in filmmaking across various categories. "Boong," produced by Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment, and Suitable Pictures, secured the award in the Best Children’s & Family Film category.
The film's director, Lakshmipriya Devi, along with producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, and Alan McAlex, accepted the award.
"Boong" had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 and was screened at other festivals, including the Warsaw International Film Festival and the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, prior to its theatrical release in September 2025.
The film's narrative centers on a young boy named Boong from Manipur, exploring themes of resilience, childhood innocence, and the impact of conflict.
"Boong's" Path to Recognition
"Boong" was recognized for its sensitive portrayal of a child's struggles within a challenging socio-political environment. The film's storyline focuses on the intimate struggles of a child attempting to maintain family unity.
The film's setting in the complex socio-political backdrop of Manipur highlights the resilience and emotional toll of conflict on individuals.
Farhan Akhtar expressed his support for the project due to his long association with the director and the story's emotional depth. He noted that the film is set in a region of India from which cinematic portrayals are infrequent.
BAFTA Awards Ceremony Highlights
While "Boong" celebrated its win, other films also received significant recognition at the awards.
Leonardo DiCaprio-starrer 'One Battle After Another' was the night's most awarded film, securing six awards.
Awards were presented by notable figures, including Prince William, who presented the BAFTA Fellowship to Donna Langley.
Key Nominees and Winners in Other Categories
The BAFTA awards recognized a diverse range of films.
| Category | Winner / Nominee |
|---|---|
| Best Film | One Battle After Another |
| Outstanding British Film | Hamnet |
| Best Film Not in the English Language | Sentimental Value |
| Best Documentary | Mr. Nobody Against Putin |
| Best Animated Film | Zootopia 2 |
| Best Children’s & Family Film | Boong |
| Best Director | Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another |
| Best Leading Actress | Jessie Buckley, Hamnet |
| Best Leading Actor | Robert Aramayo, I Swear |
Expert Analysis and Commentary
The win for "Boong" is seen as a significant moment for regional Indian cinema.
Farhan Akhtar described his involvement as a supportive role, stating, "It was nice to support." He has known director Lakshmipriya Devi for nearly two decades.
The film's success underscores the growing global acknowledgment of regional Indian cinema and authentic narratives rooted in local realities.
The win highlights the film's exploration of children's dreams beyond limitations, themes of belonging, courage, and hope.
Conclusion and Implications
The BAFTA award for "Boong" signifies a landmark achievement for Manipuri cinema and Indian filmmaking. The film's success on an international platform is anticipated to foster greater appreciation for diverse storytelling from India.
The recognition is expected to draw more attention to films originating from less-represented regions within India.
The film's narrative, focusing on a child's quest and resilience against a backdrop of conflict, resonated with the BAFTA jury.
The producers expressed hope that the film would inspire joy and dreams among displaced children and young actors.
Sources:
Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/farhan-akhtar-backed-boong-wins-best-childrens-family-film-award-at-bafta-2026-10546558/ - Article detailing the BAFTA win and a list of other award recipients.
News18: https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/proud-moment-for-india-as-farhan-akhtar-backed-boong-wins-big-at-bafta-2026-ws-l-9923754.html - Reports on the film's victory at BAFTA 2026 and Farhan Akhtar's involvement.
Onmanorama: https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2026/02/23/manipuri-film-boong-farhan-akhtar-backed-wins-bafta.html - Highlights the win for the Manipuri film "Boong" at the BAFTA Awards.
Times Now: https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/hollywood/india-big-win-at-bafta-awards-2026-farhan-akhtar-backed-boong-named-best-childrens-and-family-film-article-153670444 - Covers India's significant win with "Boong" at the BAFTA Awards 2026.
Mid-day: https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/bafta-2026-boong-becomes-first-indian-film-to-win-in-childrens-category-23617882 - Features Farhan Akhtar's comments on supporting "Boong" and its historic BAFTA win.
Filmfare: https://www.filmfare.com/news/hollywood/farhan-akhtars-boong-wins-big-at-baftas-2026-81933.html - Reports on Farhan Akhtar's film "Boong" securing a win at the BAFTAs 2026.
Gulf News: https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/farhan-akhtars-boong-wins-big-at-bafta-awards-2026-1.500451964 - Covers the significant win for Farhan Akhtar's film "Boong" at the BAFTA Awards 2026.
Livemint: https://www.livemint.com/entertainment/indias-big-bafta-2026-moment-farhan-akhtar-produced-boong-wins-best-children-s-family-film-11771785909015.html - Details India's achievement at the 2026 BAFTA Awards with "Boong" winning Best Children’s & Family Film.
