Producer Ritesh Sidhwani reacted after Boong turned the primary Indian movie to win within the Greatest Youngsters’s and Household Movie class on the BAFTA Awards 2026.
The Manipuri-language movie, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, obtained the honour on the ceremony held in London. Backed by Excel Leisure, based by Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, the movie marked a milestone for Indian regional cinema.
Talking on the Mumbai airport after coming back from London, Sidhwani mentioned, “I feel that’s an enormous one for all the business and for the fraternity.”
He described the venture as “a small gem of a wonderful, deeply rooted story” and mentioned it was significant to see such a movie recognised internationally. “It’s necessary to see {that a} movie like this has discovered a spot like BAFTA to be recognised and heard. That may be very commendable and really humbling,” he added.
Sidhwani additionally spoke in regards to the significance of a youngsters’s movie receiving international recognition. “Youngsters’s movies are those that cross borders. They journey simply. They’re easy, common, and join throughout cultures. Which is nice,” he mentioned.
Set in Manipur, Boong unfolded in opposition to a backdrop of social and political rigidity whereas specializing in a private story.
The movie adopted a younger boy named Boong, performed by Gugun Kipgen, who hoped to reunite his household.
Believing that bringing his lacking father residence would restore happiness to his mom Mandakini, portrayed by Bala Hijam, he set out on a journey together with his good friend Raju, performed by Angom Sanamatum. Their search took them to the border city of Moreh and throughout into Myanmar.
The movie’s win was seen as a notable achievement for Indian cinema on a global platform.
