The social media platforms were abuzz on Tuesday as Boong, a Manipuri coming-of-age drama co-produced by Farhan Akhtar, became the lone Indian nominee at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. The film received a nomination in the Best Children and Family Film category, which has received a lot of praise from the film fraternity, critics, and audiences alike.
As soon as the news of the nomination went viral, people on X and Instagram started posting congratulatory messages, calling it a milestone for regional Indian cinema. Many posts highlighted the importance of a Manipuri-language film making it to the BAFTA nominations, with many calling it “a win beyond Bollywood.”
Also Read | From Ki Kore Toke Bolbo to Abar Phire Ele: Arijit Singh’s Bengali melodies that still hurt and heal
Farhan Akhtar calls nomination ‘deeply special’
Commenting on the news, Farhan Akhtar spoke to Hindustan Times about his experience.
“The entire team is very thrilled by the nomination for Boong. We are honoured that BAFTA has recognised the film’s message, and the value it holds for a family audience,” he said.
Fans and industry colleagues echoed his sentiment online, with several pointing out Akhtar’s consistent support for independent and regional storytelling alongside his mainstream projects such as Don 3 and the upcoming Mirzapur film.
About Boong
Directed and set in Manipur, Boong follows the story of a young boy living with his single mother in a small village. Both of them are struggling to cope up with the unexplained disappearance of the boy’s father, Joykumar, who once worked away from home and never returned.
Driven by a desire to give his mother “the best gift ever,” the boy sets out on an emotional journey with his closest friend to uncover the truth about his father. The film explores themes of absence, hope and resilience through a child’s perspective, a quality many viewers cited online while reacting to the BAFTA news.
Also Read | 'Dhurandhar' scripts history, becomes only Bollywood film to cross Rs 1,000 crore in India
Why the nomination stands out?
With Boong becoming the sole Indian nominee at this year’s BAFTAs, social media users described the moment as a reminder of the global appeal of stories rooted in local cultures. Several posts also noted that children’s and family films from India rarely find space at major international award platforms, making the nomination especially notable.
The 2026 BAFTA ceremony is scheduled to take place later this year in London.
