The debut feature becomes first Indian film to win Best Children and Family Film; producer cites personal trust and a unique regional story as reasons for support.
SHARJAH – Indian cinema celebrated a historic moment at the 2026 BAFTA Awards as Boong, a Manipuri-language debut feature, clinched the award for Best Children and Family Film. The win marks the first time an Indian film has triumphed in this category at the prestigious British ceremony.
As accolades pour in for the film, producer Farhan Akhtar has revealed the deeply personal reasons behind his decision to back the project. Speaking about his long-standing association with director Lakshmipriya Devi, Akhtar emphasized that familiarity, trust, and a compelling narrative were the driving forces.
“This film is set in a region of India from which we rarely get to watch films. It was nice to support that as well, and it’s a very heartwarming story. So, it just felt right,” Akhtar said.
Having known the director for nearly two decades, Akhtar explained that the film’s unique setting—Manipur—and its universal emotional core made the project an easy choice. He was present at London’s Royal Festival Hall alongside co-producer Ritesh Sidhwani, director Lakshmipriya Devi, and Alan McAlex to receive the honor.
Boong tells the poignant story of a young boy from Manipur who embarks on a journey to find his missing father, hoping to surprise his mother with the best gift imaginable. The film premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and has since traveled to prestigious events including the Warsaw International Film Festival, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, IFFI, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
The film competed against stiff international competition, including Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, and Arco, making its victory all the more significant.
United Arab Emirates Dirham Exchange Rate
