Why did the "Boong "director's BAFTA speech sparked reactions back home
- Ridhi Jain
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
Boong, won the Children/Family Film category in the 2026 BAFTA Awards, marking a historic achievement for Manipuri cinema and for India. The movie has surpassed other global competitors, such as Zootopia 2 and Elio, drawing the world's attention to a story set in India.
However, the moment was not just to celebrate, as director Laxmipriya Devi, in her acceptance speech, discussed the ethnic tensions in Manipur and requested peace. Her remarks quickly went viral, prompting widespread reactions across India.
A Global Win "Boong" That Brought Manipur Into Focus
The victory of Boong is one of the greatest international awards for a film produced in Manipur. The project was already covered as the official entry to the BAFTA in India. Few people expected that it would outperform big animated films supported by major studios. The result highlighted the increasing value of narratives based on regions in global award circles.
According to the industry observers, the win shows the power of authentic and culturally specific storytelling to have cross-border appeal. The film resonated with jurors who were considering emotionality and social applicability in the children's movie industry by concentrating on lived realities instead of spectacle.
Inside Boong: A Child’s Journey Across Manipur
Boong is a story set in the state of Manipur, India. Where a little boy goes to find his own lost father, who has disappeared somewhere from Imphal to Moreh. The story is narrated by a child who is full of innocence, longing, and strength in a society that is intricate and strong.
The movie strikes a balance between the personal and the regional by providing an audience with the idea of normal life in Manipur without the need to exaggerate it. The modest manner of narration and its sincerity were some of the aspects that made it internationally attractive.
The Moment the acceptance Speech Changed the Conversation
At the BAFTA awards, Laxmipriya Devi left a conventional thank-you speech. Rather than concentrating on cast, crew, and industry accolades, she discussed the Manipur scenario and asked to bring peace and stability to it.
Her comments were more about unity and reconciliation and not about political positioning. Her words were contextualized in terms of hope about her home state, and the story of the film is connected to the bigger realities that impacted communities back home. The speech turned a jubilant event into a call to humanitarianism that was made on a global stage.
When a Global Stage Met a Local Reality
Soon after the ceremony, videos of the speech were spread across social media. The spread of the virus enhanced the discourse in the general forums and in the media. The director has also been lauded by many viewers because he used a global stage in a responsible manner to raise issues regarding Manipur.
Some people wondered why a global cultural event was the right place to discuss a crisis that was going on. Although there were varying opinions, the majority of commentaries recognized that the speech was dignified in nature and never used inflammatory language. The discussion was more about when and where and less about why.
How the Speech Traveled Back Home and Sparked Debate
After the award, national leaders congratulated the filmmaker. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the team for giving Indian cinema recognition worldwide. Congratulations were also offered by the Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who also congratulated and emphasized the importance of the accomplishment.
Official statements focused mainly on artistic achievement as opposed to the content of the speech. The government response framed the BAFTA victory as a moment of pride for Indian cinema storytelling on the international stage.
Official Recognition Amid a Wider National Discussion
International award platforms often extend beyond celebrating art and develop into platforms of self-expression. The BAFTA stage raised concerns that were based on a regional context for a global audience.
The episode demonstrates how cinema can intersect with lived experiences, especially when the filmmakers perceive recognition as the possibility to think about their communities. Regardless of the acclaim or the discussion, the speech ensured that the film's impact did not end with its category victory.
Boong's win at the BAFTAs is a milestone for Manipuri and regional Indian cinema. The acceptance speech of Laxmipriya Devi expanded the moment to a wider peace appeal, and was discussed nationally. Together, the award and the address demonstrate how global recognition can elevate both storytelling and the realities that inspire it. Don’t scroll away just yet. The ScreenLight got more of the videos, moments, and internet stuff that make us all hit replay.
