Manipuri Film 'Bung' Makes History, Wins Award at 79th BAFTA Awards

London. The Indian film 'Bung' has created history at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) 2026. At the 79th BAFTA Awards, the Manipuri film produced by Farhan Akhtar won the award for Best Film in the 'Children's and Family Film' category.

Amidst a grand ceremony held in London, film producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Alan MacAlex, and director Laksmi Priya Devi accepted this prestigious award. In this category, considered highly competitive on the international stage, 'Bung' succeeded in surpassing big-banner films from Hollywood such as 'Zootopia 2', 'Lilo & Stitch', and 'Argo'.

This film, released in 2024, was directed by Laksmi Priya Devi. The film tells the emotional journey of a young boy who wants to surprise his mother with a special gift.

Thinking that bringing back his father, who lives far away after leaving home, would be the biggest gift for his mother, he sets out in search of his father. The film poignantly depicts the struggle he faces while searching for his father and the unexpected, unique gift he receives in the end.

This film, which has also garnered praise after being screened at the world's prestigious Toronto International Film Festival and Warsaw International Film Festival, has elevated the prestige of Indian regional cinema worldwide by winning the BAFTA. Winning a global award, especially for a film made in the Manipuri language and setting, is seen as a major achievement for the South Asian cinema industry.