Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Boong’s BAFTA Win Spurs Theatrical Return in India

Director Lakshmipriya Devi says the recognition has opened a first door of awareness for Manipur.

Overview

  • Boong won the BAFTA for Best Children's and Family Film, becoming the first Indian film to claim the award.
  • The film re-released in Indian theatres on March 6 following the win and is currently in cinemas.
  • Lakshmipriya Devi describes a word-of-mouth casting process in Manipur, selecting child lead Gugun Kipgen for his fearlessness despite a language barrier.
  • She says post-production was delayed because unrest in Manipur made it hard to edit footage, including scenes later shot in areas now in rubble.
  • The coming-of-age drama follows a boy’s search for his missing father toward the border town of Moreh and into Myanmar, after a 2024 TIFF premiere with backing from Excel Entertainment.