Boong: Manipuri Gem Backed by Excel Entertainment Hits Indian Cinemas After Global Festival Success

Indian cinema has just witnessed a landmark moment. Boong, a Manipuri film written and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, has made its grand entry into theatres after earning standing ovations at international film festivals. What makes this even more special? The film has been backed by Excel Entertainment the powerhouse founded by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar along with Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures.

A Festival Darling Before Its India Release

Boong is not just another regional release; it’s already a global success story. The film had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it received glowing reviews. Since then, it has travelled across continents, securing accolades at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, the International South Asian Film Festival 2024, and several other prestigious showcases.

For Manipuri cinema, which rarely gets such wide exposure, this run represents a historic leap onto the world stage.

The Story That Touches Hearts

At its core, Boong is a deeply human story. It follows a young boy from a Manipuri village, raised by his single mother, who sets out with his best friend to search for the truth about his missing father. What unfolds is a journey laced with innocence, hope, and heartbreak an emotional tale that resonates universally while remaining rooted in Manipuri culture.

The cast, including Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam Ningthoujam, delivers performances that critics have already hailed as raw and powerful.

Excel’s Big Step Into Regional Cinema

For Bollywood heavyweights like Excel Entertainment to back Boong is not just an investment it’s a statement. Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have built their brand on films that push boundaries (Dil Chahta Hai, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Gully Boy), and now they are shining a light on Manipuri stories for the world to see.

This collaboration between big production houses and regional filmmakers could pave the way for more untold stories from India’s diverse corners to find space on mainstream screens.