BAFTA 2026: It is a landmark moment for Indian cinema as the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) saw a major win for the Indian film Boong. Produced by Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment, and Suitable Pictures, the film secured the prestigious mask in the Best Children’s & Family Film category, marking a historic achievement for regional Indian storytelling on the global stage.

The ceremony, held at the Royal Festival Hall in London, was a star-studded affair attended by the film’s key creative minds. Producers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar joined director Lakshmipriya Devi and producer Alan McAlex to accept the honour. The victory is particularly notable as Boong was competing in a fiercely contested category against massive international franchise titles, including Zootropolis 2, Lilo & Stitch, and Arco.

Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong is a poignant children’s drama that explores the emotional landscape of a young boy in Manipur. The narrative follows a small boy who is determined to surprise his mother with the ultimate gift. In his mind, nothing would be more meaningful than bringing his absentee father back to the family home. As the story unfolds, his search for his father begins to pull at the threads of his world. However, what begins as a desperate quest eventually culminates in a gift that neither he nor the audience could have expected. It is this delicate balance of innocence and the harsh realities of life that resonated so deeply with the BAFTA voting members.

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Meanwhile, the win at the BAFTAs is the culmination of a successful international festival run. *Boong* has travelled to various global platforms, earning critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of regional life and its universal themes of family and belonging. The collaboration between Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment, and Suitable Pictures has proven that deeply local stories can have a global impact. By focusing on the specific cultural nuances of India’s Northeast, the filmmakers have managed to create a piece of art that transcends borders.

With the film's success, this BAFTA win sets a new benchmark for what Indian co-productions can achieve internationally.