India marked a proud moment at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards as Manipuri coming-of-age film “Boong” clinched the award for Best Children’s and Family Film.

Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, the film emerged as the sole Indian nominee at this year’s ceremony and went on to secure a win at the prestigious event held in London on Sunday evening. While accepting the award, Devi used the global platform to call for peace in her home state of Manipur, drawing attention to the region’s ongoing challenges.

Produced by Excel Entertainment, founded by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, “Boong” tells the story of a young boy searching for his absent father in hopes of reuniting him with his mother. The heartfelt narrative and cultural authenticity resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike.

The evening also featured other notable Indian moments. As British singer Jessie Ware performed “The Way We Were” during the In Memoriam segment, veteran Indian actor Dharmendra was honoured among the global cinema figures remembered for their contributions.

Actor Alia Bhatt also represented India at the ceremony, serving as a presenter for the Best Film Not in the English Language category.

The BAFTA win for “Boong” underscores the growing global recognition of regional Indian cinema and highlights the increasing diversity of stories from India reaching international audiences.