Boong, a critically acclaimed Manipuri-language film directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, made history after becoming the first Indian film to win Best Children’s and Family Film at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. The coming-of-age drama follows a young boy, played by Gugun Kipgen, and his journey to find his missing father in Manipur. As the film releases in theatres on March 6, 2026, here's looking back at films that feature child protagonists driving the narrative.
Updated On: 2026-03-06 01:18 PM IST
Compiled by : Amarylisa Gonsalves
Bumm Bumm Bole (2008)
Darsheel Safary was seen in this authorised adaptation of the Iranian movie Children of Heaven, directed by Priyadarshan.
Halo (1996)
The film is about a little girl played by Benaf Dadachandji in search of her lost puppy on the streets of Mumbai. It won the National Award for Best Children’s Film that year.
Hawaa Hawaai (2014)
Arjun (Partho Gupte), a poor boy working at a tea stall, aspires to become a skating champion. His dream comes true when Aniket, a skating coach, decides to train him.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
Shahida (Harshali Malhotra), a Pakistani speech-impaired girl gets lost in India, and is found by Pawan who vows to return her to her country.
Tahaan (2008)
Set in Jammu and Kashmir, the film revolved around a young boy played by Purav Bhandare, who meets a terrorist who gives him a grenade to fulfil a task.
Makdee (2002)
Vishal Bhardwaj’s comedy horror film revolved around a young village girl played by Shweta Prasad, who is trying rescue her twin sister Munni, from the evil witch Makdee. Shweta won the National Award for Best Child Artist.
Toolsidas Junior (2022)
After his beloved father loses the 1994 Club Snooker Championship, his son (Varun Buddhadev) decides to take matters into his own hands to help his father succeed.
Dhanak (2015)
The story follows 10-year-old Pari, played by Hetal Gada, and her visually impaired little brother Chotu (Krrish Chhabria) as they travel across Rajasthan to meet superstar Shah Rukh Khan, hoping he can help fix Chotu's eyesight.
Taare Zameen Par (2007)
Aamir Khan’s directorial debut was the story of a dyslexic child played by Darsheel Safary, who is mentored by a kind art teacher at his boarding school.
I Am Kalam (2011)
This film was about an underprivileged child played by Harsh Mayar who aspires to grow up as accomplished as former Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Stanley Ka Dabba (2011)
Amol Gupte directed his son Partho in the film, about a school boy who does not carry lunch and is warned about getting lunch box if he wants to attend school.
Bhootnath (2008)
Banku (Aman Siddiqui) comes across an unfriendly ghost of the previous occupant in his new house and tries to befriend him.
