Boong, the Manipuri-language film that recently won Best Children’s and Family Film at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), has drawn significant interest both in India and globally. Despite its critical success and a limited theatrical release in September 2025, viewers in India are unable to find the film on major streaming services.
The film, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment, and Suitable Pictures, was honoured at the Royal Festival Hall in London on Monday. Producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, and Alan McAlex joined the director on stage as the BAFTA trophy was presented, marking a milestone for Manipuri-language cinema.
Prior to its BAFTA recognition, Boong gained attention through an extensive festival journey. The film had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and was showcased at several other prestigious events, including the Warsaw International Film Festival, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, the International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
Boong not available on OTT
The film was earlier available for streaming on MUBI app. However, it is currently not available to watch on any OTT platform.
The festival circuit allowed Boong to build a strong reputation through word-of-mouth. The audiences praised its storytelling and performances. The collaboration among the three production houses aimed to focus on a narrative rooted in social and political themes relevant to Manipur.
Earlier, after winning the trophy at BAFTA 2026, producer Farhan Akhtar dedicated an Instagram post to Boong’s director Lakshmipriya Devi. He called the film’s win a win for “the dreamers.”
The caption on his post read, “Could not be happier for @lp_devi & the cast of crew of #Boong .. massive congratulations to them for creating a beautiful, heartwarming, gem of a film and for this recognition. Feel so proud to be a part of this film and to see it honoured on the BAFTA stage was truly an unforgettable moment. Thank you to the jury. This means a lot to the dreamers and storytellers back home (sic).”
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur also reacted to the film’s BAFTA win. He wrote a note on X, calling it a better film than the others nominated at the awards ceremony.
“Congratulations to Laxmipriya for winning the BAFTA for the best family film. I thought BOONG was better than the films that won the main awards. It’s just that it’s so rooted in Indian culture and politics that the westerners did not get it. That’s why it’s important to make our film awards more important internationally…(sic),” Kapur’s post read.
What is Boong all about? (Spoiler Alert)
In a tiny village of Manipur, little Boong, a wide-eyed boy, played by newcomer Gugun Kipgen, wants to give his mother (Bala Hijam) the ultimate surprise gift. His big plan? Track down his absentee father and bring him home for a family reunion.
But innocence meets harsh reality as his quest from Manipur’s hills to the border town of Moreh (and even across the border into Myanmar) shatters his world, leading to unexpected lessons in resilience, growth, and renewal. It’s a heartfelt coming-of-age tale that is full of hearty laughs and emotional punches but without any melodrama.
Helping Boong on his journey is his best friend Raju, played by Angom Sanamatum.
Who is Lakshmipriya Devi?
The writer-director has made her feature debut with Boong, after assisting on Bollywood projects like Talaash (2012), Lakshya (2004) and PK (2014). She crafts a story that’s simple yet profound, shot in stunning Manipuri landscapes with local flavour.
All about the cast of Boong
There are no A-listers here, just raw talent shining bright. Gugun Kipgen plays the titular character of Boong. The child steals every scene with his pure-hearted charm. Angom Sanamatum plays Boong’s best friend Raju Agarwal. Bala Hijam plays Boong’s mother Mandakini, who brings quiet strength and heartbreak. Actor Vikram Kochhar plays Sudhir Agarwal, Raju’s father.
The cast also includes Nemetia Ngangbam, Jenny Khurai, Modhubala Thoudam, and more locals like Edhou and Hamom Sadananda.
Boong is all about authentic faces telling a Manipuri story in its native tongue with subtitles for the global audience.
All the awards Boong has won so far
Boong was already a festival darling before BAFTA. Apart from winning Best Children’s and Family Film at BAFTA 2026, the film has won Best Feature Film at the International South Asian Film Festival, Canada and Best Youth Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Australia.
Here are other achievements:
International Film Festival of India: Nominated for Best Debut Director (Indian Feature).
Bulbul Children’s International Film Festival, Goa: Best Director.
The Indie Meme Film Festival: Audience Choice for Best Narrative Feature.
