Was ‘Boong’ the Biggest Surprise of the BAFTAs This Year?
Robert Aramayo’s unexpected win for Best Actor at the BAFTA Awards for his role in I, Swear caught many by surprise, although discussions prior to the event hinted at the possibility.
In a different yet equally surprising turn, the impressive pitching performance of Marty Supreme, who achieved a record-equalling shutout, showcased a clear path toward success on the field.
However, perhaps the most astonishing revelation of the night came from the Manipuri-language film Boong, which triumphed over established Hollywood titles like Lilo & Stitch and Zootropolis 2, as well as festival favorite Arco, in the Children’s and Family category. Notably, both Zootropolis 2 and Arco are Oscar-nominated films.
As the announcement was made, members of the media present at the BAFTA ceremony exchanged puzzled glances. Many had never heard of Boong, highlighting its underdog status in the competitive landscape of global cinema.
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Boong premiered in 2024 at the Toronto Film Festival and saw its official release in India a year later. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, making his feature debut, and produced by Excel Entertainment, the film follows a young boy as he navigates ethnic tensions in Manipur while striving to bring his father home.
The cast features Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam, Angom Sanamatum, Vikram Kochhar, Nemetia Ngangbam, Jenny Khurai, and Hamom Sadananda, none of whom are widely recognized. The most notable figure associated with the project is producer Farhan Akhtar, who is set to portray Ravi Shankar in an upcoming Beatles film directed by Sam Mendes.
Underscoring Boong‘s unconventional journey, its UK distributor, Bakrania Media, is a little-known company specializing in Indian film distribution. With only 420 followers on X and just eight releases since 2019, Bakrania managed to outmaneuver major players like Disney and local distributor Picturehouse, known for its network of UK arthouse cinemas.
Prior to its BAFTA nomination, Boong received only one accolade on the global awards circuit, winning at the 2024 Asia Pacific Screen Awards. In contrast, Zootropolis 2 and Arco have garnered 72 and 49 nominations, respectively.
Ultimately, Boong‘s triumph represents a compelling David and Goliath narrative; few would contest the significance of its victory.
