23 February,2026 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Farhan Akhtar BAFTA (Pic credit/PTI)
Farhan Akhtar backed the Manipuri film Boong, marking his foray into regional and meaningful cinema. The film, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, created history by becoming the first Indian film to win the BAFTA Award in the Best Children's and Family Film category. As celebrations followed the big win, producer Farhan Akhtar reflected on what drew him to the project in the first place.
He shared that he had known Lakshmipriya for nearly two decades and that the film, being set in a region rarely seen on the big screen, made backing the project feel natural. "Lakshmipriya Devi and I have known each other for about 20 years. This film is set in a region of India from which we rarely get to watch films. It was nice to support that as well, and it's a very heartwarming story. So, it just felt right."
The film's debutant director, Lakshmipriya Devi, made an emotional plea for peace in her acceptance speech after receiving the coveted trophy. "Just want to use this opportunity to say that we pray for peace to return to Manipur. We pray that all the internally displaced children, including the child actors in the film, regain their joy, their innocence, and their dreams once again. We pray that no conflict is ever formidable enough to destroy the one superpower that all of us have as human beings, that is forgiveness. So, thank you, BAFTA, for giving us not only an award but this stage to express our hope," she said.
The Manipuri film, starring Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam, beat international competition from other nominees Lilo and Stitch, Arco, and Zootropolis 2.
The film revolves around the story of a young boy named Boong from Manipur. He plans to surprise his mother with a special gift. In his innocent mind, he feels that bringing his missing father back home would be the best gift. His search slowly changes his life and leads to an unexpected new beginning.
The film first premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in the Discovery section. It was later screened at many global film events, including the Warsaw International Film Festival 2024, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, the International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025.
Talking about BAFTA, the star-studded 2026 awards ceremony was held at the Royal Festival Hall by the River Thames and included Bollywood star Alia Bhatt as a celebrity guest presenter for the Best Film Not in the English Language category.
