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A Manipuri-language children's film became India’s first to walk away from the BAFTA stage at London's Royal Festival Hall with an award. Almost immediately, Producer Farhan Akhtar announced the re-release of Boong (2024) across India, starting March 6.
Directed by first-time feature filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi, this beat Disney's Lilo & Stitch, Zootopia 2, and the French sci-fi film Arco for the Best Children's and Family Film award.
The story follows Boong, a mischievous schoolboy from Imphal, who sets off with his best friend Raju to cross the border into Myanmar, set on finding his long-absent father as a surprise gift for his mother. Beneath the children's adventure beats an aching portrait of Manipur in ongoing ethnic conflict, beyond polemics.
Devi spent two decades working on films like Talaash, PK, and A Suitable Boy before making this debut feature. On the BAFTA stage, she spoke of a Manipur that is "very much ignored and very underrepresented" and prayed for peace to return to her homeland.
It took until 2025 for this movie to originally reach Indian cinemas after touring and winning at several film festivals. Don’t miss your shot now.
Tickets: BookMyShow