BAFTA Winner Lakshmipriya Devi on Her Film Plans and the Controversy Surrounding Her Speech

Lakshmipriya Devi, the acclaimed writer and director of the BAFTA-winning Manipuri-language film Boong, recently opened up about her future plans in filmmaking and addressed the controversy around her BAFTA speech.

 

When asked if her BAFTA win had changed her career trajectory, Lakshmipriya said, "Not really. I haven't changed any plans yet. Like with Boong, it was also a happy accident, right? So, in the same way, if I have a story that comes to me in which I feel strongly enough to go and stand on the set in the hot sun, then I will make a film. But if the story doesn't come, I am very happy to do first AD work, like scheduling. Even after the BAFTAs, when the nominations came out, people were wishing I would do a forensic job. I actually enjoy it—it’s strange but true."

 

Regarding the controversy over her BAFTA speech being edited and later re-introduced, Lakshmipriya remained calm and understanding:

 

"No, because we all already knew what was happening there. I was in London for a long time after the event. There was an incident—something related to the gentleman whose life the story was based on. It wasn’t just for Boong; they did it for other films as well. Those films’ videos were also taken down and put back at the same time. I didn’t feel anything was malicious; they were doing whatever they could to fix the situation. For me, we were at the BAFTAs—it was unbelievable. I didn’t want to spoil the joy we were feeling. Many people messaged me about it, but I just blocked it out. I focus on the work, and every time I touch base with my team, I ask myself if this is my goal, or am I thinking too small because I’m a low-budget director. For me, the answer is clear—it’s never about that. My goal is the story."

 

Boong, a coming-of-age drama in the Manipuri language, tells the poignant story of a young boy, played by Gugun Kipgen, who longs to reunite with his broken family. Raised by his single mother Mandakini (Bala Hijam Ningthoujam), he embarks on a journey with his best friend to find his missing father. The film touches on themes of hope, resilience, and the deep bond between mother and child. It also stars Angom Sanamatum, Vikram Kochhar, Nemetia Ngangbam, Jenny Khurai, and Hamom Sadananda.

 

The film premiered at the Discovery section of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2024, and went on to screen at prestigious festivals, including the Warsaw International Film Festival, São Paulo International Film Festival, Adelaide Film Festival, and Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. Boong’s tender and authentic storytelling earned it the Best Children's & Family Film award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, making it the first Indian film to win a BAFTA.

 

Lakshmipriya Devi’s reflections reveal a director deeply committed to authentic storytelling, whether on set or behind the scenes. She continues to embrace her craft with humility, focusing on stories that resonate rather than accolades or fame.

 

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