India has created history at the prestigious British Academy Film Awards 2026 as Boong became the first Indian film ever to win a BAFTA. The Manipuri language film took home the honour for Best Children’s and Family Film, marking a monumental moment for Indian cinema, especially for regional storytelling from the Northeast.
Produced by Excel Entertainment in collaboration with Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures, Boong’s win is being hailed as a breakthrough for stories rooted in authenticity and cultural depth.
Reacting to the historic victory, producer Ritesh Sidhwani expressed immense pride. He said that Boong was made in a language from India’s Northeast, a region rich in culture and storytelling that is rarely represented internationally. He added that the film being celebrated on such a global platform reaffirms the belief that stories do not need scale, they need soul. Calling it more than just a team achievement, he described the win as a victory for many unheard voices across India.
Farhan Akhtar also shared his joy, congratulating the cast and crew for creating what he called a beautiful and heartwarming gem of a film. He said witnessing Boong being honoured on the BAFTA stage was an unforgettable moment and thanked the jury for recognising a story that represents dreamers and storytellers back home.
Set in Manipur, Boong tells an emotional story about family, innocence and hope. The film follows a young boy named Boong, played by Gugun Kipgen, who dreams of reuniting his fractured family. Raised by his single mother Mandakini, portrayed by Bala Hijam Ningthoujam, Boong embarks on a heartfelt journey with his best friend to find his missing father. The narrative beautifully captures the emotional strength of a mother and child bond while highlighting the resilience of young dreams.
The win is being seen as a defining moment for regional Indian cinema. For years, films from India’s Northeast have struggled to find global visibility. With Boong’s historic triumph, a new chapter has begun — one that celebrates linguistic diversity and culturally rooted storytelling on an international stage.
This BAFTA victory is not just about a trophy. It signals that powerful stories from every corner of India can resonate across borders.