BAFTA Awards 2026: India has reason to celebrate on the global stage. Boong, backed by Farhan Akhtar, has won the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the BAFTA Awards 2026. The Manipuri-language drama triumphed over international films, including Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch and Arco.

The emotional win puts a spotlight on stories emerging from Northeast India and signals growing global recognition for authentic, locally rooted storytelling. Farhan Akhtar was present at the ceremony, making the victory even more special for the team.

Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong, which translates to “little boy” in Manipuri, follows the heartfelt journey of a child navigating family separation amid social and political unrest. The film is produced by Farhan Akhtar alongside Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, Ritesh Sidhwani and Shujaat Saudagar.

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At the centre of the story is young Boong, played by Gugun Kipgen. Determined to reunite his fractured family, he believes bringing his missing father home would be the greatest gift for his single mother, Mandakini, portrayed by Bala Hijam. With his loyal best friend Raju, played by Angom Sanamatum, Boong sets off on a brave journey to the border town of Moreh. In his search, he even crosses into Myanmar, refusing to let fear stand in his way.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Lakshmipriya Devi, Alan McAlex, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani pose backstage with the Children’s & Family Film Award for ‘Boong’ during the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 22, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Farhan Akhtar, Lakshmipriya Devi, Ritesh Sidhwani and Alan McAlex backstage during the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 22, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Carlo Paloni/BAFTA via Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Ritesh Sidhwani, Alan McAlex, Farhan Akhtar and Lakshmipriya Devi accept the Children’s & Family Film Award for ‘Boong’ during the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 22, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

Boong at BAFTA 2026

Boong also features performances by Vikram Kochhar, Hamom Sadananda and Thoudam Brajabidhu. Before its theatrical release in September 2025, the film enjoyed a strong festival run. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival 2024 and was later showcased at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and the Warsaw International Film Festival, earning critical praise along the way.