'Boong' Backed by Farhan Akhtar Earns BAFTA Nod in Children’s Film Category

Lakshmipriya Devi’s tender coming-of-age story from Manipur finds global recognition, standing alongside major studio titles at the 2026 BAFTAs.

Team THR India
By Team THR India
LAST UPDATED: JAN 28, 2026, 13:30 IST|4 min read
A still from 'Boong'
A still from 'Boong'

Boong, the Manipuri-language debut feature directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under the Excel Entertainment banner, has been nominated for the 2026 BAFTA Award for Best Children’s and Family Film.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced the nominations on January 27, placing Boong alongside international heavyweights such as Arco, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and Zootropolis 2. For a film made far from India’s mainstream production centres and spoken in a language seldom heard on global platforms, the recognition carries particular weight.

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Reacting to the nomination, producer Ritesh Sidhwani underlined the emotional sincerity at the heart of the project. Speaking to NDTV, he said the film was made “with a lot of heart” and described the BAFTA nod as a meaningful acknowledgement of Lakshmipriya Devi’s “sensitive, authentic storytelling”. He echoed the sentiment on social media, emphasising how rarely stories from the region find space on international stages.

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Boong tells the story of a young boy growing up in the valley of Manipur who sets out on a simple mission. Determined to surprise his mother, he becomes convinced that the greatest gift he can give her is the return of his absent father. What follows is a gentle journey of innocence and longing, one that ultimately leads not to the past he seeks, but to a fragile sense of renewal. The film stars Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam in lead roles.

The film was released in India in September 2024 and has since enjoyed a steady festival life. It premiered internationally at the Toronto International Film Festival, was named the Spotlight Film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, and drew attention for its unadorned portrayal of childhood.

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Lakshmipriya Devi’s path to her debut feature has been long and largely behind the scenes. She previously worked as a first assistant director on Excel Entertainment projects such as Luck by Chance and Talaash, and assisted on films including PK and Mira Nair’s adaptation of A Suitable Boy.

The BAFTA Film Awards ceremony will be held on February 22 at London’s Royal Festival Hall, hosted by Alan Cumming.

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