Indian cinema claimed a landmark victory in London as Boong, a Manipuri-language coming-of-age drama, won Best Children’s & Family Film at the 2026 BAFTAs.
The debut feature by Lakshmipriya Devi outpaced global heavyweights including Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch and Arco to secure the trophy — becoming the first Indian film ever to triumph in the category.
The ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall sparkled with its usual grandeur, but the loudest applause followed an unlikely presenter. Paddington Bear took the stage to hand over the award, joking, “I am the first-ever bear to present an award, and also the first presenter to get marmalade over a BAFTA.” Moments later, the spotlight shifted to a team that turned a deeply local story into a universally resonant triumph.
Set against the fraught social landscape of Manipur, Boong follows a young boy determined to reunite his fractured family. What begins as a child’s innocent plan to surprise his mother slowly unfolds into a tender meditation on displacement, prejudice and hope. Starring Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam, the film navigates social and political tension through the intimate lens of childhood longing.
Producer Farhan Akhtar reflected on backing the project through Excel Entertainment. “Lakshmipriya Devi and I have known each other for about 20 years. This film is set in a region of India from which we rarely get to watch films. It was nice to support that as well, and it’s a very heartwarming story. So, it just felt right,” he said, noting how rarely audiences see stories from the region on the big screen.
An emotional Devi used her acceptance speech to send a message beyond cinema. “The walk up till here felt like the last few steps to reach a summit of a mountain we never knew we were climbing in the first place,” she said, before praying for peace in Manipur and for displaced children to “regain their joy, their innocence and their dream once again.”
“We pray that no conflict is ever formidable enough to destroy the one superpower that all of us have as human beings, that is forgiveness. So, thank you BAFTA for giving us not only an award but this stage to express our hope,” she said, as she wrapped up her speech.
From its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival to this historic BAFTA win, Boong has carried its quiet power across continents. On Sunday night, it carried India with it.
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