7 months ago
Manipuri Film Boong Nominated for BAFTA 2026
A movie called Boong, made by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, has been chosen for a big award called the BAFTA.
This is a special award for the best children's and family movies.
Boong is a Manipuri-language film, which means it's in a language spoken in the Manipur region of India.
The movie is about a young boy named Boong who wants to surprise his mother by bringing his father home.
During his search, he finds something unexpected that leads to a new beginning.
The movie was released in India in September 2024 and has been nominated for the BAFTA Awards in 2026.
The main ceremony will be held in London on February 22, 2026.
The film premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and was also highlighted at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
The BAFTA Awards ceremony will be hosted by actor Alan Cumming.
Farhan Akhtar expressed gratitude for the nomination on his Instagram profile.
Manipuri-language film Boong, produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment, nominated for BAFTA 2026 in the Best Children's and Family Film category.
Nominations announced by BAFTA on January 27, 2026, with the main ceremony scheduled for February 22, 2026, in London's Royal Festival Hall, hosted by Alan Cumming.
Boong is a coming-of-age film directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, following a young boy's search for his father, leading to an unexpected new beginning.
The film stars Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam in lead roles and was released in India in September 2024.
Boong had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and was named the Spotlight Film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in 2025.
- Who
- Lakshmipriya Devi (director), Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani (producers), Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam (lead actors)
- What
- Manipuri-language film Boong nominated for BAFTA 2026 in the Best Children's and Family Film category
- Where
- Film set in Manipur, India; BAFTA Awards ceremony in London, UK
- When
- Nominations announced on January 27, 2026; Film released in India in September 2024; BAFTA Awards ceremony on February 22, 2026
- Why
- Boong is a coming-of-age film about a young boy's search for his father, leading to a new beginning
Key facts
- Film Title
- Boong
- Language
- Manipuri
- Producer
- Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani (Excel Entertainment)
- Director
- Lakshmipriya Devi
- Lead Cast
- Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam
- Release Date (India)
- September 2024
- BAFTA Category
- Best Children's and Family Film
- BAFTA Nomination Date
- January 27, 2026
- BAFTA Awards Ceremony Date
- February 22, 2026
- BAFTA Awards Ceremony Location
- London's Royal Festival Hall
- BAFTA Awards Host
- Alan Cumming
- Other Nominees in Category
- Arco, Lilo & Stitch, Zootopia 2
Timeline
Netflix's 'My Brilliant Career' TV series announcement ignited Australian story interest.
Renowned directors launched 'My Melbourne' project, including 'Boong'.
Melbourne film fest's positive reception of 'Boong' led to critical acclaim.
Critical praise and director backing secured 'Boong' a 2026 BAFTA nomination.
Manipuri-language 'Boong', produced by Akhtar & Sidhwani, nominated for 2026 BAFTA.
Quotes
Farhan Akhtar
Actor, director, and producer, co-founder of Excel Entertainment
“Boong is extremely honoured and grateful to be nominated in the BAFTA Children’s & Family category”
wionews.com
Sources
BAFTA 2026 nominations: Farhan Akhtar’s Manipuri drama Boong to compete for Best Children's Film
BAFTA film awards: ‘One Battle After Another’ bags 14 nominations, Farhan Akhtar-backed Boong too nominated - Full list
BAFTA 2026 Nominations: Indian Film Boong Joins Awards Race, One Battle After Another Leads With 14 Nods
Boong, Film Backed By Farhan Akhtar, Gets BAFTA 2026 Nomination
Who Will Take Home BAFTA 2026 for Director and Supporting Actress?
Manipuri film Boong secures BAFTA nomination in best children’s and family film category - Telegraph India
India's lone warrior at BAFTA 2026: Farhan Akhtar reacts as Boong scores historic nomination
