The official trailer for Boong has been released on March 5, 2026, marking the theatrical re-release of director Lakshmipriya Devi’s historic BAFTA-winning film. The Manipuri-language children and family drama will return to Indian cinemas on March 6, 2026, following its groundbreaking victory at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards.
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Boong Film and Release Details
Boong made international cinema history by becoming the first Indian production to win the Best Children’s and Family Film Award at the BAFTA Awards held on February 22, 2026. The film triumphed over global studio giants including Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch, marking a watershed moment for Indian cinema, particularly for regional filmmaking from the North-East.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Boong |
| Director | Lakshmipriya Devi (feature directorial debut) |
| Language | Manipuri |
| Original Release | September 5, 2024 (limited) |
| Theatrical Re-Release | March 6, 2026 (wider release) |
| Trailer Release | March 5, 2026 |
| Lead Actor | Gugun Kipgen (Boong/Brojendro) |
| Supporting Cast | Bala Hijam (mother), Angom Sanamatum (Raju), Vikram Kochhar, R.K. Sorojini |
| Producers | Excel Entertainment (Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani), Chalkboard Entertainment, Suitable Pictures |
| CBFC Certificate | U (Unrestricted public exhibition) |
| Genre | Children and family drama/coming-of-age |
| Themes | Family bonds, resilience, hope, childhood innocence, identity |
| Setting | Manipur; border region near Myanmar |
BAFTA Win and International Recognition
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Award | Best Children’s and Family Film (BAFTA 2026) |
| Historic First | First Indian production to win BAFTA in this category |
| Awards Ceremony | February 22, 2026 |
| Competitors Defeated | Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, Arco (beat global studio giants) |
| Festival Premieres | Toronto International Film Festival 2024 (Discovery section) |
| International Screenings | Warsaw International Film Festival 2024, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, International Film Festival of India, Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 |
| Critical Reception | Universally praised for nuanced storytelling and child performances |
Narrative and Thematic Elements
The trailer introduces Boong (played by child actor Gugun Kipgen), a mischievous yet determined schoolboy from Imphal. The narrative centers on his innocent conviction that bringing his long-absent father home would be the perfect gift for his mother. Accompanied by his best friend Raju, Boong embarks on a cross-border journey through rural Manipur toward the border town of Moreh near Myanmar.
The film balances childhood curiosity and determination with Manipur’s complex socio-political environment, exploring themes of grief, resilience, and growing up through children’s innocent perspectives. Director Devi centers an innocence under threat from steadily brewing forces, making political texture inseparable from intimate personal storytelling.
Director Lakshmipriya Devi’s Achievement
Lakshmipriya Devi’s feature directorial debut has received widespread critical acclaim. Variety’s Siddhant Adlakha praised Devi’s “gentle approach” centering Boong’s story with innocence and naiveté. Film Fest Report’s Nikhil Akhil called it “a heartfelt perspective on acceptance and transformation, presenting a 360-degree view of Manipur through the eyes of a curious child.”
The film’s success on the international circuit—culminating in the historic BAFTA win—demonstrates the universal appeal of authentic regional storytelling. The trailer underscores the film’s grounded narrative style, intimate performances, and visual landscape that resonated with BAFTA voters.
Excel Entertainment’s Regional Focus
Farhan Akhtar announced the re-release via Instagram, writing: “A journey of innocence, love, and resilience. Witness India’s first BAFTA Award-winning film, in cinemas on 6th March.” Excel Entertainment’s backing of Boong reflects the production house’s commitment to supporting meaningful regional cinema and diverse storytelling from across India.
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FAQs
When was the Boong trailer released?
The Boong trailer was released on March 5, 2026, ahead of the film’s theatrical re-release on March 6, 2026.
Who directs Boong and what is the cast?
Boong is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi in her feature directorial debut, starring child actor Gugun Kipgen as Boong, with Bala Hijam, Angom Sanamatum, and Vikram Kochkar in supporting roles.
What award did Boong win at BAFTA?
Boong won the Best Children’s and Family Film Award at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards, becoming the first Indian production to win in this category.
What competitors did Boong defeat at BAFTA?
Boong triumphed over global studio giants including Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch, underscoring the quality of its storytelling and child performances.
When will Boong release in Indian theatres?
Boong is scheduled for theatrical re-release on March 6, 2026, in Indian cinemas following its BAFTA victory and initial limited release in September 2024.
