Farhan Akhtar reveals reason behind backing BAFTA-winning Boong: 'It just felt right'

The Manipuri-language film Boong won the BAFTA Award for Best Children's & Family Film at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. The film was backed by Farhan Akhtar and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi.

Boong poster | Farhan Akhtar

The Manipuri film Boong won the Best Children’s and Family Film award at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. Backed by Farhan Akhtar and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong is the first-ever Indian production to win the BAFTA for Best Children's & Family Film, marking a historic milestone for Indian regional cinema. After winning, Farhan shared why he decided to back Boong.

Why did Farhan Akhtar back Boong?

Farhan Akhtar reacted to Boong winning the BAFTA and shared why he backed the film. He said, "Lakshmipriya Devi and I have known each other for about 20 years. 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."

Farhan also shared a post on X, congratulating Lakshmipriya Devi on Boong winning BAFTA. He wrote, "Could not be happier for #LaksmipriyaDevi & the cast of crew of #Boong .. massive congratulations to them for creating a beautiful and heartwarming gem of a film and 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."

What did Lakshmipriya Devi say about Boong winning BAFTA?

Director Lakshmipriya Devi said that she wants to use this opportunity to say that they pray for peace to return to Manipur. She added that they pray that all the internally displaced children, including the child actors in the film, regain their joy, their innocence, and their dreams once again.

"We pray that no conflict is ever formidable enough to destroy the one superpower that all of us have as human beings, that is, forgiveness. So thank you, BAFTA, for giving us not only an award, but this stage to express our hope," she said.

Meanwhile, Boong was already screened at several international film festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 and was later shown at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, and the Warsaw International Film Festival.

Also Read: BAFTA 2026 Full winners list: One Battle After Another takes home most awards; Sinners and Frankenstein in close competition

What is Boong about?

Boong depicts the story of a young boy growing up in Manipur during a period of social and political unrest. The film’s title translates to “little boy” in the Manipuri language.

The story centres on Boong, portrayed by Gugun Kipgen, who is determined to reunite his fractured family. Convinced that finding his missing father will bring back his mother Mandakini’s (Bala Hijam) happiness, Boong embarks on a journey with his loyal friend Raju (Angom Sanamatum). Their search takes them to the border town of Moreh and even across the border into Myanmar, as Boong searches for his father and hopes for a family reunion.

Boong FAQs

Q. What is Boong about?

A. Boong follows a young boy named Boong who embarks on an adventure to find his missing father, believing that his return is the best gift he could give his mother.

Q. Who directed the movie?

A. It is the debut feature film of Lakshmipriya Devi, who previously worked as an assistant director on major Bollywood projects like PK and Luck By Chance.

Q. Who produced the film?

A. The movie is backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment, along with Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures.

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