India has reason to celebrate at the 79th BAFTA Awards, as the Manipuri-language debut feature Boong secured a major international honor. The film won the Best Children’s and Family Film award, becoming the only Indian nominee at this year’s ceremony — and the first Indian film ever to claim the prize in this category from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
The announcement was shared on BAFTA’s official social media platforms. The award marks a historic milestone for Indian cinema in the children’s and family film segment.
Boong is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar, along with Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, Ritesh Sidhwani and Shujaat Saudagar. The filmmakers, including Akhtar, Sidhwani, Devi and McAlex, were present at London’s Royal Festival Hall to accept the award.
The film tells the heartfelt story of a young boy named Boong from Manipur who wants to surprise his mother with a special gift. Believing that reuniting her with his missing father would be the greatest present of all, he sets out on a journey that gradually transforms his life and leads to an unexpected new beginning.
Despite strong competition from international titles such as Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch and Arco, Boong emerged victorious.
The film had its world premiere in the Discovery section at the Toronto International Film Festival and went on to screen at several prestigious global platforms, including the Warsaw International Film Festival, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
The ceremony, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, also featured Indian actor-producer Alia Bhatt as one of the presenters. (ANI)
