The Indian film Boong has made history with its BAFTA win, becoming the first Indian movie to receive this prestigious award. This historic achievement has sparked nationwide celebrations and praise from leaders, marking a milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage. in Indian cinema, the Manipuri-language film Boong made history by winning its category at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) — becoming the first Indian film ever to win a BAFTA award.
The film clinched the Best Children’s and Family Film honour — a category that pits feature films from around the world against each other in storytelling impact, emotional depth, and artistic vision.
The BAFTA Awards 2026 ceremony was held on 22 February 2026 at London’s prestigious Royal Festival Hall. At the event, Boong triumphed over globally recognised films, including heavyweights from major studios, marking a breakthrough for India’s regional cinema on the world stage.
About Boong — A Story of Hope and Family
‘Boong’ is a 2024 Manipuri-language coming-of-age drama directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by prominent filmmakers including Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Vikesh http://Top BAFTA-Winning Indian Films Bhutani, and others under banners such as Excel Entertainment.
The film tells the touching story of a young boy named Boong — meaning “little boy” — who lives in a village in Manipur. After his father disappears without a trace, the boy believes that finding his father and bringing him back would be the greatest possible gift for his mother. His innocent and emotional journey becomes the heart of the story, capturing universal themes of love, loss, resilience, and hope.
Boong premiered internationally in the **Discovery section of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and has since been showcased at festivals across the globe, earning praise from critics and audiences alike long before its BAFTA victory.http://Top BAFTA-Winning Films of 2026
A Win for India — and a Win for Regional Stories
The BAFTA award marks a historic milestone:
- It’s the first time an Indian film has won a BAFTA award in any category.
- Boong beat films like Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, and other international titles to claim the Best Children’s and Family Film award.
- This win highlights the global resonance of regional Indian storytelling, proving that deeply local narratives can find universal appeal and global recognition.
At the ceremony, one of the presenters — the beloved character Paddington Bear — handed over the award and celebrated the film’s achievement.
Emotional Acceptance and a Message of Hope
Director Lakshmipriya Devi delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech on the BAFTA stage. While expressing gratitude for the award, she also used the global platform to share a poignant message:http://Regional Indian Cinema Milestones
“We pray for peace to return to Manipur. We pray that all internally displaced children — including the child actors in the film — regain their joy, innocence, and dreams once again.”
Her words resonated deeply with audiences worldwide and drew attention to the resilience of communities represented in her film.
Nationwide Celebration — From Fans to Leaders
In India, celebrations erupted across the country from cinema lovers, makers, artists, and leaders. The win has been widely hailed as a moment of pride for Indian cinema:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated the Boong team, calling the achievement a moment of immense joy for the nation, especially for Manipur.
- Bollywood personalities, including Priyanka Chopra, praised the film, applauding the emotionally rich and culturally rooted storytelling that reached global audiences.
- Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur highlighted how Boong is “deeply rooted in Indian culture” while resonating internationally — a testament to India’s diverse artistic heritage.
- Producers and collaborators called the win a victory for under-represented voices across India, celebrating regional talent and diverse narratives.
Across social media platforms, industry professionals and audiences alike shared messages of pride, marking this as a new chapter for Indian cinema on the world stage.
Why This Win Matters
The importance of Boong’s BAFTA win goes beyond a single award:
Global Recognition for Regional Cinema
For decades, Indian cinema has been known largely for Bollywood and mainstream films — but Boong’s success signals a shift. It showcases how stories from India’s Northeast — often overlooked internationally — can resonate with a global audience.
Celebration of Authentic Storytelling
Boong captures raw human emotion through a simple yet powerful narrative. It proves that films driven by sincerity and authenticity can stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with big‑budget productions and animation giants.
Inspiration for Future Filmmakers
This win is already inspiring filmmakers across India — especially those working in regional languages — to believe that their stories can reach global platforms without needing major commercial clout.
What’s Next for Boong?
While the film has already premiered at international festivals and received critical acclaim, Indian audiences are keenly awaiting wider access through streaming or theatrical distribution. Reports indicate that discussions around broader release strategies are underway, as viewers across India express excitement to finally watch the film.
The BAFTA victory for Boong is more than an award — it’s a global validation of Indian regional cinema. A Manipuri film beating internationally popular titles at a major awards ceremony is a watershed moment that redefines what Indian cinema can achieve. The story of a young boy’s love and determination has now become a story of national pride and global resonance
