'You’ve made the whole nation proud': PM Modi, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee applaud Manipuri film ‘Boong’ after historic BAFTA win

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to social media to celebrate the success of the Manipuri film ‘Boong’, which scripted history at the 79th BAFTA Awards in London. The leaders praised the film’s achievement, highlighting its significance for Indian cinema on the global stage.

West Bengal CM Banerjee posted on X (formerly Twitter), "I am very happy to know that the Manipuri film 'Boong' has scripted history at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. Against all odds, this film was crowned Best Children and Family Film, becoming the first-ever Indian production to win in this prestigious category.

ALSO READ | From Geetha Govindam to Dear Comrade: Revisiting Rashmika Mandanna-Vijay Deverakonda’s on-screen love stories amid wedding buzz

My heartiest congratulations to the entire cast and crew of 'Boong'! You’ve made the whole nation proud."

PM Modi hailed the win as a “moment of immense joy” for Manipur and praised the country’s creative talent. He reposted the original BAFTA post and wrote, "Congratulations to all those associated with this film...it also highlights the immense creative talent in our nation."

Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong won the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the BAFTA Awards 2026, marking a major milestone. The Manipuri film triumphed over big international contenders such as Zootropolis 2, Lilo & Stitch, and Arco.

Backed by Excel Entertainment and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, the film has garnered widespread attention. It tells the story of a young boy from Manipur who sets out to find his missing father, set against the backdrop of social and political unrest in the region.

About Boong

The film stars Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam, Angom Sanamatum, Vikram Kochhar, Nemetia Ngangbam, Jenny Khurai, and Hamom Sadananda in key roles.

Boong first gained international recognition at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was screened in the Discovery section on September 5. It later travelled to several global film festivals before releasing in Indian cinemas in September 2025.

ALSO READ | 'All of them live in harmony': Prakash Raj takes swipe at 'The Kerala Story 2' with food post

At the BAFTA ceremony, Lakshmipriya Devi delivered an emotional and powerful acceptance speech. Opening with a traditional “Kurumjari,” she described the journey as “like climbing a mountain we never knew we were on.” She dedicated the award to Manipur, underlining the importance of peace and stronger representation for the state.

Calling Manipur “troubled, ignored, and underrepresented” within India, Devi said Boong was a tribute to her homeland. BAFTA’s official Instagram account also shared a clip of her moving speech, which resonated widely with viewers.