Imphal: The critically acclaimed Manipuri film Boong, a story about a boy in Manipur affected by the current conflict, written and directed by debutante director Lakshmipriya Devi, has earned a nomination at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards 2026.
It is nominated in the Best Children’s and Family Film category and is also the only Indian film to be recognised this year in this competition.
The film is produced by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, alongside producers Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, Ritesh Sidhwani, and Shujaat Saudagar.
The film stars Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam and tells a heartwarming story about a young boy raised by a single mother. The mischievous boy, played by first-time actor Gugun Kipgen, tries everything possible to find his father. Every year, he hopes his father will return for Holi and reunite with his mother.
Steeped in rich Manipuri culture, Boong was shot before the state was affected by the current conflict.
Filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi has previously worked as an assistant director on many Bollywood projects, including some Excel Entertainment films such as Lakshya, Luck by Chance, Talaash, and the limited series Dahaad.
Before making her first feature film, Boong, she also served as an assistant director to Raju Hirani (PK) and Mira Nair (A Suitable Boy).
Boong had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in the Discovery section and went on to be officially selected for several prominent festivals, including the Warsaw International Film Festival 2024, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, the 55th International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025.
This year, the film is competing at BAFTA 2026, emerging as the only Indian nominee in the children’s category.