Manipuri Film ‘Boong’ wins big at BAFTA 2026; director’s winning speech sparks political reactions

India’s official BAFTA entry, ‘Boong’, has won the Children’s & Family Film category at the 2026 awards, beating global contenders like Zootopia 2 and Elio. Set in Manipur, the film follows a young boy on a quest from Imphal to Moreh to find his missing father. Director Laxmipriya Devi’s emotional acceptance speech highlighted the struggles of her home region, going viral and sparking political reactions. PM Narendra Modi and I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the filmmaker.