Imphal, March 5: The official trailer of Boong, the BAFTA-winning Manipuri-language film directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, has been released on social media, offering audiences an emotional glimpse into a child’s journey shaped by hope, friendship and family bonds. The film is scheduled to return to theatres for a wider release on March 6, 2026.
The trailer introduces Boong, played by Gugun Kipgen, a spirited and determined schoolboy growing up in Imphal. Through a gentle and unhurried narrative style, the visuals capture the rhythm of his everyday life, portraying childhood innocence unfolding against the backdrop of ethnic tensions in the region.
At the heart of the story lies Boong’s emotional quest to surprise his mother by bringing home his long-absent father, whom he believes to be working in Moreh near the Myanmar border. Accompanied by his close friend Raju, the young boy sets out on a risky journey that takes them across rural stretches of Manipur to the busy frontier town. The film blends youthful curiosity and determination with the complex social and political realities of the region.
“Boong” recently achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian production to win the Award for Best Children’s and Family Film at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), marking a significant moment for Indian cinema and particularly for films emerging from the Northeast.
The film is backed by Excel Entertainment, founded by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, in collaboration with Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures. Set against the evocative landscape of Manipur, the project explores themes of resilience, hope and the enduring strength of family ties.
“Boong” had its world premiere in the Discovery section at the Toronto International Film Festival and was later showcased at several international platforms, including the Warsaw International Film Festival, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, earning global recognition before its theatrical release.
