Lakshmipriya Devi's Boong makes BAFTA history as first Indian winner
Lakshmipriya Devi has made history by winning the Best Children's and Family Film award at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards. Her debut feature, Boong, marks the first Indian film to receive this honour. The Manipuri-language coming-of-age story follows a young boy searching for his father against the backdrop of ethnic tensions in northeastern India.
Boong premiered at major international festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival and the Mumbai Film Festival. Produced by Excel Entertainment—the company co-founded by Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar—the film explores themes of migration, militarisation, and the region's deep-rooted conflicts.
The story centres on Boong, a young boy navigating a fractured homeland. Gugun Kipgen, an actor from the Kuki-Zo community, plays the lead role, portraying a Meitei character. His performance adds depth to the film's portrayal of Manipur's complex social landscape.
During her acceptance speech, Devi prayed for peace in her home state, where violence has persisted for years. The win drew congratulations from prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Boong has brought global attention to Manipuri cinema and its untold stories. The BAFTA win highlights the film's emotional and political resonance, while Devi's speech underscored its connection to real-world struggles. For the cast and crew, the award represents both artistic recognition and a call for change in their troubled region.
