"Boong would have never released if Excel Entertainment hadn’t been there,” says director Lakshmipriya Devi on BAFTA winning film

BAFTA winning Boong releases today

• Boong is the first Indian film to win a BAFTA award.
• Lakshmipriya Devi praises Excel Entertainment's vital support.
• Boong tells a touching story of a boy seeking his missing father.

Did our AI summary help?

For Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong is more than just a film it is a dream that almost never made it to the big screen.

As the Manipuri film prepares for its theatrical release on 6 March 2026, it carries with it the distinction of being the first Indian film to win a BAFTA.

But behind the historic achievement lies a story of persistence, faith and crucial support at the right time.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Lakshmipriya Devi did not shy away from acknowledging that the journey was far from easy. “Boong would have never released, if Excel hadn’t been there,” she said, referring to Excel Entertainment, founded by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar. Her words reflected not just professional gratitude but the relief of a filmmaker who saw her vision survive against the odds.

For a story rooted in Manipur and told in a regional language, finding the resources and backing to reach cinemas across India was never guaranteed.

Excel Entertainment, along with Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures, helped bridge that gap — ensuring that a small, intimate story could travel from the North-East to global platforms.

Written and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong began its journey at the Toronto International Film Festival before travelling to Warsaw, São Paulo, Adelaide and Tallinn. With each screening, it quietly built a reputation for its honesty and emotional depth.

Also Read: Boong Trailer OUT: BAFTA-winning Manipuri film promises moving story of hope and family

At its heart, Boong tells the story of a young boy, played by Gugun Kipgen, who yearns to reunite his broken family. Raised by his single mother Mandakini, portrayed by Bala Hijam Ningthoujam, he embarks on a touching quest with his best friend to find his missing father. The film gently explores themes of longing, resilience and the bond between a mother and child — emotions that feel universal, no matter where you come from.

Now, as Boong reaches Indian theatres, its BAFTA win feels symbolic. It is proof that stories from the margins can find a global audience — and that sometimes, all they need is someone willing to believe in them.