3 min readMumbaiMar 6, 2026 05:30 AM ISTLakshmipriya Devi, the writer-director of BoongEven though after winning the BAFTA award, Boong has been making waves for being the first Manipuri film to win such a major honour, its writer-director Lakshmipriya Devi makes it clear that many of her predecessors have received international recognition in the past.Calling out the general lack of awareness regarding the North-East region and its people, she said: “Everyone in the North-East hates being called a Northeastern person.”Naming some of the movies that have enjoyed global acclaim, Lakshmipriya said: “The movies by Rima Das have travelled to international festivals and won several awards. The 1981 Manipuri film, Imagi Ningthem (My Son, My Precious), directed by Aribam Syam Sharma, was screened at a number of film festivals.His 1990 film Ishanou (The Chosen One) was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival. Its restored version was featured in the Cannes Classic section in 2023.” Both Imagi Ningthem and Ishanou were written by the late M K Binodini Devi, who was Lakshmipriya’s maternal aunt. “She always told me that I did not do anything related to Manipur. Had she been alive, she would have been very happy to watch Boong.”Opinion | Will global applause for Boong make a difference for indie movies?Lakshmipriya was speaking at a press conference in the city, ahead of the theatrical re-release of Boong in select Indian cities Friday (March 6).Though the film is set in Manipur, Lakshmipriya clarifies that she did not consciously try to “prop up its Manipuri identity”. However, the story that’s heavily inspired by her experiences and memories of her growing up years in Manipur.“My grandfather used to yearn for his father who was in exile in Myanmar. Over the years, my great grandfather had become a mythical figure. Everyone at home used to talk about him and they had their own takes about what happened to him. Though I was young, I was quite fascinated with it. Boong is symbolic of all those people who are left behind,” the writer-director said.Story continues below this adBoong (which means a little boy) follows the adventures of the titular young boy, who plans to surprise his mother with a gift. Accompanied by his friend Raju, Boong sets out to bring his absentee father home to make his mother happy. Gugun Kipgen, who essays the role of Boong, was also present during the press conference.Describing the making of her debut feature film Boong as a “series of unplanned happy accidents”, Lakshmipriya said: “In Manipur, we have this thing called shaman where you get possessed. Making of this film possessed us. We did not have anything planned. Boong had its own journey.”Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism. Expertise & Accolades In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023. Global Industry Leadership Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies: Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes. National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema. Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends. Focus & Vision Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read MoreClick here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd