{{Short description|2024 Manipuri film}} {{for|the ethnic slur in Australia and New Zealand|List of ethnic slurs#B}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Use Indian English|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox film | name = Boong | image = | alt = | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = Lakshmipriya Devi | producer = Farhan Akhtar<br/>Vikesh Bhutani<br/>Alan McAlex<br/>Ritesh Sidhwani<br/>Shujaat Saudagar | writer = Lakshmipriya Devi | screenplay = | story = | starring = Gugun Kipgen<br/>Bala Hijam | music = Zubin Balaporia ''(original score)''<br/>Akhu Chingangbam ''(original score)'' | cinematography = Tanay Satam | editing = Shreyas Beltangdy | studio = Excel Entertainment<br/>Chalkboard Entertainment<br/>Suitable Pictures | distributor = {{ubl | PVR Inox Pictures | AA Films }} | released = {{Film date|df=yes|2024|9|5|TIFF|2025|9|19|India}} | runtime = 94 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 December 2025 |title=''Boong'' (12A) |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/boong-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdm0oday |access-date=8 December 2025 |website=British Board of Film Classification |language=en}}</ref> | country = India | language = Meiteilon (Manipuri) <!--Do NOT add budget and gross figures here. It is being left out due to a dispute. All estimates of the data are present in the "Economics" section below-->}}
'''''Boong''''' is a 2024 Indian Manipuri-language coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/indian-director-lakshmipriya-devi-s-boong-premieres-at-tiff-101726047218751.html|title=Indian director Lakshmipriya Devi's 'Boong' premieres at TIFF|author=Anirudh Bhattacharyya|accessdate=17 September 2024|newspaper=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/banner-year-for-indian-women-directors-at-toronto-film-festival-101726380378215.html|title=Banner year for Indian women directors at Toronto film festival|accessdate=17 September 2024|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=15 September 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.Boong_A_debut_film_by_Manipuri_filmmaker_Lakshmipriya_Devi|title='Boong' : A debut film by Manipuri filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi |accessdate=17 September 2024|website=e-pao.net}}</ref> It stars Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam, Angom Sanamatum, Vikram Kochhar, Nemetia Ngangbam, Jenny Khurai and Hamom Sadananda.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1225382|title=Director Lakshmipriya Devi: 'Boong' is inspired by tales of my grandmother|accessdate=17 September 2024|website=daijiworld.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ifp.co.in/movies/cinematic-triumph-boong-premiered-at-toronto-international-film-festival|title=Cinematic triumph 'Boong' premiered at Toronto International Film Festival|accessdate=17 September 2024|newspaper=Imphal Free Press}}</ref>
The film had its world premiere at the ''Discovery'' section of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on 5 September 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tiff.net/events/boong|title=TIFF - Boong - Lakshmipriya Devi - WORLD PREMIERE |accessdate=17 September 2024|website=tiff.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://northeastlivetv.com/around-ne/manipur/manipuri-film-boong-to-premiere-at-toronto-international-film-festival-2024/|title=Manipuri film Boong to premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2024|accessdate=17 September 2024|website=northeastlivetv.com|date=25 July 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://imphalreviews.in/cinematic-triumph-boong-premiered-at-toronto-international-film-festival/|title=Cinematic Triumph 'Boong' Premiered at Toronto International Film Festival|author=SUNZU BACHASPATIMAYUM |accessdate=17 September 2024|newspaper=Imphal Review of Arts & Politics|date=14 September 2024 }}</ref> At the 79th British Academy Film Awards, it won Best Children's & Family Film, and became the first Indian film to win a BAFTA.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 January 2026 |title=BAFTA Awards 2026: Farhan Akhtar-backed Manipuri film 'Boong' gets nominated for Best Children's and Family Film category|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/bafta-awards-2026-farhan-akhtar-backed-manipuri-film-boong-gets-nominated-in-best-childrens-and-family-film-category/articleshow/127628735.cms|access-date=27 January 2026 |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-02-23 |title=Manipuri film Boong becomes first Indian movie to win BAFTA |url=https://assamtribune.com/north-east/manipuri-film-boong-becomes-first-indian-movie-to-win-bafta-1608371 |access-date=2026-02-24 |website=The Assam Tribune |language=en}}</ref>
==Premise== Boong is a schoolboy who lives with his mother in Imphal. After his father, who left home to run a furniture shop in Moreh, stops contacting the family, Boong, refusing to believe rumours of his father's death, and his best friend Raju embark to find him and bring him back home.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-23 |title=Boong: Indian film from Manipur wins big at Bafta |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6268292086o |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Deb |first=Poulomi |date=9 March 2026 |title=Boong is back in Indian cinemas after winning the country’s first BAFTA |url=https://www.timeout.com/india/news/boong-is-back-in-indian-cinemas-after-winning-country-first-bafta-030926 |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=Time Out India}}</ref>
==Cast== * Gugun Kipgen as Brojendro aka Boong * Bala Hijam as Mandakini * Angom Sanamatum as Raju Agarwal * Vikram Kochhar as Sudhir Agarwal * Nemetia Ngangbam as Juliana Kipgen * Jenny Khurai as Singer JJ * Hamom Sadananda as L. Joykumar * Thoudam Brajabidhu as Mani, Pradhan * Modhubala Thoudam as Chaobi * Idhou as Ibobi * Gurumayum Priyogopal as School Principal * R.K. Sorojini as Sakhi
== Production == The production companies include Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/boong-premiered-at-toronto-international-film-festival/|title='Boong' premiered at Toronto International Film Festival|accessdate=17 September 2024|newspaper=Imphal Times|date=8 September 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/a-film-from-manipur-that-you-must-see/20240910.htm|title=A Film From Manipur That You Must See|author=ASEEM CHHABRA|accessdate=17 September 2024|website=www.rediff.com}}</ref> The film was certified by CBFC with a "U" certificate in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 February 2025 |title=Censor Certificate |url=https://cbfcindia.gov.in/cbfcAdmin/search-result.php?recid=Q0EwMTE0MDkyMDI0MDAxMjQ= |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=Central Board of Film Certification}}</ref>
==Release== It was released in select cities and cinemas at PVR INOX in India on 19 September 2025.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/others/manipuri-film-boong-to-release-in-theatres-on-september-19-101758157867565.html|title=Manipuri film Boong to release in theatres on this date; check details here|newspaper=Hindustan Times|accessdate=23 September 2025}}</ref>
Following its historic achievement as the first Indian production to win the BAFTA Award for Best Children's & Family Film, Boong was re-released in Indian theatres on 6th March 2026. The film is currently screening across major metropolitan hubs and regional centres, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Guwahati, and Imphal at PVR Inox and other major cinema chains.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-06 |title=BAFTA-winning Manipuri film Boong re-releases in theatres today: Why this powerful story is a must-watch |url=https://www.etnownews.com/entertainment/bafta-winning-manipuri-film-boong-re-releases-in-theatres-today-why-this-powerful-story-is-a-must-watch-article-153771257 |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=ET Now |language=en}}</ref>
===Film festivals=== ''Boong'' received official selections at various international film festivals held in India and abroad.
{|class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Festival ! Screening date(s) ! {{Tooltip|Ref.|References}} |- | 2024 Toronto International Film Festival | 5, 8, 9 & 13 September 2024 | <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/farhan-akhtar-and-ritesh-sidhwani-backed-film-boong-to-premiere-at-toronto-international-film-festival/cid/2036350|title=Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani-backed film Boong to premiere at Toronto International Film Festival|accessdate=14 October 2024|newspaper=The Telegraph}}</ref> |- | International South Asian Film Festival 2024, Canada | 26 September 2024 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://isaff.ca/events/boong/|title=Boong – Opening Night Feature - ISAFF 2024|accessdate=23 November 2024|website=isaff.ca}}</ref> |- | Warsaw International Film Festival 2024 | 11 October 2024 | |- | 48ª Mostra International De Cinema São Paolo Int'l Film Festival 2024 | 18 October 2024 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://48.mostra.org/filmes/48a-boong|title=Boong - 48ª Mostra Internacional de Cinema em São Paulo|accessdate=14 October 2024|website=48.mostra.org}}</ref> |- | MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 | 23 & 24 October 2024 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mumbaifilmfestival.com/about/|title=Boong - Focus South Asia - Jio MAMI Film Festival 2024|accessdate=14 October 2024|website=www.mumbaifilmfestival.com}}</ref> |- | Adelaide Film Festival 2024 | 27 October & 2 November 2024 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.adelaidefilmfestival.org/program/2024/boong|title=Boong - 2024: Adelaide Film Festival|accessdate=1 October 2024|website=www.adelaidefilmfestival.org}}</ref> |- | Tallinn Black Nights Festival 2024 | 8, 11 & 21 November 2024 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://poff.ee/en/film/boong/|title=Boong - Estonian Premiere - Tallinn Black Nights Festival 2024|accessdate=14 October 2024|website=poff.ee}}</ref> |- | 25th San Diego Asian Film Festival 2024 | 13 November 2024 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sdaff.org/2024/movies/boong/|title=Boong – 2024 San Diego Asian Film Festival|accessdate=14 October 2024|website=sdaff.org}}</ref> |- | 55th International Film Festival of India | 27 November 2024 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2071321|title=55th International Film Festival of India: Cinema Without Borders|accessdate=23 November 2024|website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> |- | 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival | 9 February 2025 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://powercorridors.in/imphal-film-festival-unveils-diverse-lineup-with-57-films-showcasing-manipuri-classics/|title=Imphal Film Festival Unveils Diverse Lineup with 57 Films, Showcasing Manipuri Classics|author=Navin Upadhyay|website=powercorridors.in|date=27 January 2025 }}</ref> |- | BUFF International Film Festival 2025, Malmö | 15 & 18 March 2025 | <ref>{{Cite web |date=19 February 2025 |title=Competition: best children's film 2025 |url=https://www.buff.se/en/buff-2025-en/tavling-basta-barnfilm-2025/|access-date=13 February 2025|website=BUFF}}</ref> |- | International Film Festival Gorinchem 2025 | 13 April 2025 | <ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.iffg.nl/programma/films/boong/|title=Boong - IFFG|website=IFFG.nl}}</ref> |- | Kristiansand International Children's Film Festival 2025 | 5 & 9 May 2025 | <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://barnefilmfestivalen.no/en/program/boong/|title=Boong - Kristiansand International Children's Film Festival|website=barnefilmfestivalen.no}}</ref> |- | 17th Habitat Film Festival | 18 May 2025 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uniindia.com/two-manipuri-films-to-be-screened-in-habitat-film-festival/entertainment/news/3465797.html|title=Two Manipuri films to be screened in Habitat film festival|website=www.uniindia.com}}</ref> |- | 8th Malaysia International Film Festival | July 2025 | <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/manipuri-film-boong-to-feature-in-special-focus-on-indian-women-filmmakers-at-malaysia-international-film-festival|title=Manipuri film Boong to feature in "Special Focus on Indian Women Filmmakers" at Malaysia International Film Festival|accessdate=15 June 2025|newspaper=Imphal Times}}</ref> |- | Indian Film Festival, UK | 22 & 23 July 2025 | |- | Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 | 18 August 2025 | <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/cinema/2025/Aug/12/farhan-akhtar-backed-manipuri-film-boong-selected-as-the-spotlight-film-of-the-indian-film-festival-of-melbourne-2025|title=Farhan Akhtar-backed Manipuri film, Boong selected as the Spotlight Film of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025|accessdate=13 August 2025|newspaper=Indulge Express}}</ref> |- |National Indian Film Festival of Australia 2026 |18 March 2026 |<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 March 2026 |title=Manipur's BAFTA-winning film ‘Boong’ opens Indian film festival in Australia |url=https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipurs-bafta-winning-film-boong-opens-indian-film-festival-in-australia-1361915-2026-03-19 |access-date=19 March 2026 |work=India Today NE}}</ref> |}
==Reception== Taylor Gates of ''Collider'' opined, "''Boong'' is a rich coming-of-age tale that touches on important issues without ever losing its playful tone or big heart."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://collider.com/boong-review/|title='Boong' Review: A Charming and Nuanced Coming-of-Age Adventure - TIFF2024|author=Taylor Gates|accessdate=18 September 2024|website=collider.com|date=17 September 2024 }}</ref> Siddhant Adlakha of ''Variety'' wrote, "Devi, through her gentle approach to Boong’s story, centers an innocence and naiveté under threat from steadily brewing forces. And though she doesn’t train her lens on this steadily evolving scenario, she makes it an ever-present part of her movie’s fabric, as ensuring that this political texture remains inseparable from her intimate personal tale."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/boong-review-lakshmipriya-devi-tiff-1236144265/|title='Boong' Review: A Small Coming-of-Age Tale on India's Eastern Border Disguises Larger Politics|author=Siddhant Adlakha|accessdate=18 September 2024|website=variety.com|date=16 September 2024 }}</ref>
Calvin Law of ''The Asian Cut'' rated ''Boong'' 3.5 out of 5, calling it "a spirited and affecting little yarn" that tenderly explores Manipur’s socio-political tensions through the eyes of a child, buoyed by Gugun Kipgen’s charming lead performance.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Law |first=Calvin |date=7 September 2024 |title=‘Boong’ Shines as a Promising Directorial Debut |url=https://theasiancut.com/post/boong-review-lakshmipriya-devi/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=The Asian Cut}}</ref> Nikhil Akhil of ''Film Fest Report'' reviewed, "Director Lakshmipriya Devi’s debut offers a heartfelt perspective on acceptance and transformation, presenting a 360-degree view of Manipur through the eyes of a curious child."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://film-fest-report.com/tiff-2024-boong-by-lakshmipriya-devi-review/|title=TIFF 2024: Boong (by Lakshmipriya Devi) - Review|author=Niikhiil Akhiil|accessdate=18 September 2024|website=film-fest-report.com|date=10 September 2024 }}</ref> Sahar Junejo of ''Lyca Radio'' commented, "Ten minutes into Lakshmipriya Devi’s ‘Boong’, you immediately understand why Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani backed a film like this. It is such a funny, joyous snapshot of Manipur, you can’t help but smile."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lycaradio.com/showbiz/film-reviews/tiff-2024-movie-review-boong/|title=TIFF 2024 Movie Review: 'Boong'|author=SAHAR JUNEJO|accessdate=18 September 2024|website=www.lycaradio.com|date=11 September 2024 }}</ref> Aribam Bishwajit of ''Imphal Review of Arts and Politics'' praised ''Boong'' for its layered depiction of maternal resilience, and socio-political unrest in Manipur, but also pointed out inconsistencies in cultural authenticity, language use, and certain Bollywood-style portrayals.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 February 2025 |title=Award Winning “Boong” is a Film about a Boy’s Dream, a Mother’s Strength and a Society’s Truth |url=https://imphalreviews.in/award-winning-boong-is-a-film-about-a-boys-dream-a-mothers-strength-and-a-societys-truth/ |access-date=26 June 2025 |work=Imphal Review of Arts and Politics}}</ref>
''Boong'' was included in ''Firstpost''’s list of “Five Manipuri Films You Need to Watch in 2026,” highlighting its recognition within contemporary Manipuri cinema.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 February 2026 |title=Boong and beyond: 5 Manipuri films you need to watch in 2026 |url=https://www.firstpost.com/lifestyle/boong-and-beyond-5-manipuri-films-to-watch-bafta-13982830.html |access-date=19 March 2026 |work=Firstpost}}</ref>
==Accolades== {|class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Award ! Category ! Winner's name(s) ! Result ! {{Tooltip|Ref.|References}} |- | International South Asian Film Festival 2024, Canada | Excellence in Feature Filmmaking | Lakshmipriya Devi | {{won}} | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DApA8O8SEyR/?igsh=MWl1ZmJka3g4bmE4NA==|title=EXCELLENCE IN FEATURE FILMMAKING: The International South Asian Film Festival of Canada 2024 proudly announces two remarkable films...|accessdate=15 October 2024|website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> |- | 55th International Film Festival of India | Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film | Lakshmipriya Devi | {{nominated}} | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2070594|title=IFFI 2024 announces Official Selection for 'Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film' Category - 5 Debut Feature Films by Indian Directors to compete at 55th IFFI|accessdate=23 November 2024|website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> |- | 17th Asia Pacific Screen Awards 2024, Australia | Best Youth Film | Lakshmipriya Devi, Alan McAlex, Vikesh Bhutani, Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Shujaat Saudagar | {{won}} | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asiapacificscreenawards.com/awards|title=Asia Pacific's Highest Accolade in Film|accessdate=1 December 2024|website=www.asiapacificscreenawards.com}}</ref> |- | Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 | Best Actor (Male) - Special Mention | Gugun Kipgen | {{won}} | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/iffm-awards-2025-winners-list-neeraj-ghaywan-homebound-wins-big-abhishek-bachchan-jaideep-ahlawat-nab-acting-prizes-101755319594645.html|title=IFFM Awards 2025 winners list: Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound wins big; Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat nab acting prizes|author=Abhimanyu Mathur|accessdate=17 August 2025|newspaper=Hindustan Times}}</ref> |- | 79th British Academy Film Awards | Best Children's & Family Film |Lakshmipriya Devi and Ritesh Sidhwani |{{won}} |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/features/insight/boong-backed-by-farhan-akhtar-earns-bafta-nod-in-childrens-film-category|title='Boong' Backed by Farhan Akhtar Earns BAFTA Nod in Children’s Film Category|accessdate=27 January 2026|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter India}}</ref> |}
== See also == * Meitei cinema in Australia * Meitei cinema in Canada ==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{IMDb title|33035197}}
{{BAFTA Award for Best Children's & Family Film}}
Category:2020s Meitei-language films Category:2024 films Category:2024 drama films Category:Indian drama films Category:2024 Indian films Category:Excel Entertainment films Category:BAFTA winners (films) Category:Films set in Manipur Category:Indian children's drama films