In a significant achievement for Indian cinema, the directorial debut film Boong by Lakshmipriya Devi has secured a prestigious nomination at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards for 2026. The nomination was announced on Tuesday, placing the film in the competitive Children's and Family Film category.
Boong's Journey to BAFTA Recognition
Produced jointly by Farhan Akhtar under the banner of Excel Entertainments, Boong marks Lakshmipriya Devi's first venture as a director. The film, which premiered in theatres on September 19, 2025, now stands alongside notable international contenders such as Arco, Lilo & Stitch, and Zootopia 2 for the BAFTA honor.
Plot and Themes of the Nominated Film
According to descriptions from the Toronto International Film Festival, Boong tells an emotionally resonant story centered on a young schoolboy named Boong, portrayed by Gugun Kipgen. The narrative follows his determined quest to reunite his family, defying geographical and emotional barriers.
After his father Joykumar leaves their home in Manipur, India, for the border city of Moreh near Myanmar in search of employment, communication ceases, and rumors of his death begin to circulate. Refusing to accept this grim possibility, Boong teams up with his best friend Raju, played by Angom Sanamatum, to embark on a heartfelt journey to uncover the truth and bring his father back to his mother Mandakini, portrayed by Bala Hijam.
Lakshmipriya Devi's Background and Directorial Debut
Lakshmipriya Devi brings a wealth of experience to her directorial debut, having served as a first assistant director on several acclaimed Indian films. Her portfolio includes notable projects such as:
- Luck by Chance
- Talaash
- PK
- A Suitable Boy
This nomination at BAFTA 2026 not only highlights her transition to directing but also underscores the growing global recognition of diverse storytelling from India.
BAFTA 2026 Nominations Landscape
The announcement of Boong's nomination comes amidst a highly competitive field at the BAFTA Awards. Leading the nominations is Paul Thomas Anderson's political satire One Battle After Another, which has garnered 14 nods overall. This places it just two shy of the record set by the film Gandhi and on par with other classics like All Quiet on the Western Front and The King's Speech.
Following closely is Ryan Coogler's directorial Sinners, with 13 nominations, marking a significant milestone for both the director and actor Michael B. Jordan as first-time BAFTA nominees.
Event Details and Broader Implications
The BAFTA Film Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 22 at London's Royal Festival Hall, with Alan Cumming set to host the event. This nomination for Boong represents a moment of pride for the Indian film industry, showcasing its ability to produce content that resonates on international platforms and competes with global cinematic powerhouses.
As audiences and critics alike await the results, this recognition serves as a testament to the creative vision of Lakshmipriya Devi and the collaborative efforts of the production team, potentially paving the way for more Indian films to gain acclaim in prestigious international award circuits.
