India’s presence on the global cinematic stage reached a remarkable milestone at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) 2026, when the Manipuri film Boong won the Best Children’s & Family Film category the first time an Indian movie has achieved this honor. The victory was celebrated across the nation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending heartfelt congratulations to the filmmakers, calling the achievement “a moment of immense joy” and highlighting India’s rich creative talent. The historic win not only spotlights regional storytelling but also underscores the global appeal of India’s diverse film culture.
Author: Aashiya Jain | EQMint | Entertainment News
On 23 February 2026, India’s cinematic heartbeat thumped a little stronger as Boong made history at the BAFTA Awards in London. The Manipuri-language film clinched the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the prestigious ceremony a feat that has sparked national pride and widespread admiration.
The win resonated far beyond film buffs and critics; it became a unifying moment for creative communities and audiences across the country, affirming that compelling stories from India’s corners not just the mainstream Hindi film industry can resonate globally.
Prime Minister Modi’s Congratulations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to personally congratulate the Boong team. In his message, he wrote,
“Congratulations to all those associated with this film. This is indeed a moment of immense joy, especially for Manipur. It also highlights the immense creative talent in our nation.”
His words captured the essence of what this win means for India — a rare global triumph born from regional cinema that reflects the country’s vibrant storytelling and cultural depth.
Modi’s commendation reaffirmed that this was not just a cinematic accolade, but a moment of national pride, especially for Manipur and India’s Northeast, a region often underrepresented in mainstream media.
About Boong: A Story Rooted in Heart
Boong is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi a filmmaker whose talent has now been recognized on one of the most influential stages in international cinema. The film tells the heartfelt story of a young boy named Boong played by Gugun Kipgen who dreams of reuniting his family Raised by his single mother portrayed by Bala Hijam Boong embarks on a journey through adversity and hope accompanied by his best friend in search of his missing father.
The narrative is simple yet profound focusing on themes of family resilience and innocence. Before its BAFTA triumph Boong premiered in the Discovery section of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and was showcased at various global film festivals including Warsaw Melbourne and Mumbai gaining early critical acclaim.
Basically it’s the kind of story that hits you right in the feels you know The kind of film that makes you think about family and hope and all that stuff. And now with this BAFTA recognition it’s clear the world is taking notice.
A Milestone for Regional Cinema
Boong’s BAFTA win is especially historic because it celebrates regional Indian cinema which often gets overshadowed by Bollywood. Films from India’s Northeast and regional industries in general have struggled for recognition on the world stage.
This victory not only celebrates excellence in filmmaking but also amplifies diverse voices and narratives that might otherwise remain under the mainstream radar. Esteemed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur also praised Boong noting that its success reflects cinema that is deeply rooted in Indian culture and carries universal resonance. This helps enrich global cinema with authentic storytelling from India’s varied cultural landscape.
Reactions from the Filmmakers
Boong’s BAFTA win is a big deal especially because it shines a light on regional Indian cinema which often gets overlooked in favor of Bollywood. Films from India’s Northeast and other regional industries have struggled for years to get noticed on the global stage.
This win is not just about celebrating great filmmaking it’s also about giving a platform to voices and stories that usually stay under the radar. Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur praised Boong too saying its success shows cinema that’s deeply rooted in Indian culture but still connects with people everywhere. That kind of storytelling helps bring more authenticity to global cinema from India’s rich and varied cultural landscape.
What This Win Signifies
The significance of Boong’s win extends beyond awards and accolades. It is a testament to the power of storytelling how a poignant narrative set in India’s Northeast can transcend language and geography to touch hearts internationally.
For Indian cinema, this recognition is a reminder that the world is ready to embrace stories that are genuine, deeply human and culturally rich. In celebrating Boong, India also celebrates the breadth and beauty of its cinematic diversity.
Conclusion
Boong’s historic BAFTA win, and the praise it received from Prime Minister Modi, marks a defining moment for Indian cinema. It highlights not only the nation’s creative prowess but also the universal appeal of stories rooted in local experiences. As Boong makes its mark on the global stage, it sends a powerful message: that cinema from every corner of India, when told with heart and honesty, can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.
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