India celebrated a landmark moment at the 2026 BAFTA Awards as the Manipuri-language film Boong clinched the Best Children’s & Family Film honour.

Backed by Farhan Akhtar, the film outshone international nominees including Arco, Lilo & Stitch and Zootropolis 2 to secure the prestigious award.

The win is being hailed as a major achievement for Indian cinema, particularly for storytelling traditions emerging from the Northeast.

It highlights how regional narratives rooted in local realities are increasingly gaining global recognition. The success of Boong demonstrates that stories grounded in specific cultural contexts can resonate universally.

Farhan Akhtar attended the BAFTA 2026 ceremony alongside his wife, Shibani Dandekar, celebrating the film’s international acclaim.

Story set against Manipur’s unrest

Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong is set in Manipur during a period of social and political unrest. The title translates to “little boy” in Manipuri. At its heart is a tender and emotional story told through the eyes of a child.

The film follows young Boong, played by Gugun Kipgen, who believes that reuniting his fractured family will restore happiness to his mother Mandakini, portrayed by Bala Hijam.

Determined to find his missing father, Boong embarks on a journey with his best friend Raju, played by Angom Sanamatum.

Their search takes them to the border town of Moreh and across into Myanmar, expanding both the emotional and geographical scope of the narrative.

Through a child’s perspective, the film explores themes of loss, hope and resilience amid uncertainty. The storytelling delicately captures how families cope with separation and conflict.

International festival recognition

Long before its theatrical release in September 2025, Boong had already drawn attention on the global festival circuit.

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024. It later screened at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, and the Warsaw International Film Festival, where it received a positive critical response.

Its BAFTA triumph now cements its place as one of the most significant Indian children’s films to achieve global acclaim.