The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 is set to shine a spotlight on regional Indian cinema like never before, with the Manipuri film Boong—backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment—selected as this year’s coveted Spotlight Film. The announcement marks a significant moment for both the festival and the film’s debut director, Lakshmipriya Devi, whose journey from assistant director to helming her own feature has captivated industry watchers and audiences alike.
Scheduled for its Victorian state premiere between August 14 and 24, 2025, in Australia, Boong is poised to introduce a global audience to the nuanced storytelling and cultural richness of Manipuri cinema. According to Bollywood Hungama, the film’s selection underscores IFFM’s ongoing commitment to diversity, originality, and bold narratives—values that have made the festival a premier destination for Indian filmmakers and film lovers from around the world.
At the heart of Boong is a poignant story set against the picturesque Manipur valley. The film follows the journey of a young boy, Boong (portrayed by Gugun Kipgen), who embarks on a heartfelt quest to reunite his fractured family. Driven by innocence and hope, Boong’s plan is to surprise his mother (played by Bala Hijam) with the return of his absentee father. What unfolds is a tapestry of unexpected revelations and emotional discoveries, resonating deeply with viewers from diverse backgrounds.
The film’s director, Lakshmipriya Devi, is no stranger to the world of cinema, even if this marks her first outing as a director. Her extensive experience as the first assistant director on acclaimed projects—including Luck by Chance, Talaash, Aamir Khan’s PK, and Mira Nair’s internationally recognized series A Suitable Boy—has shaped her distinctive voice and vision. According to India Today, this transition from behind-the-scenes to the director’s chair is a significant milestone, reflecting a broader trend of nurturing new talent within the Indian film industry.
Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange, speaking on August 11, 2025, expressed her excitement about the film’s selection, stating, “We are thrilled to present the world premiere of Boong as this year’s Spotlight Film. It’s a story that is as bold as it is intimate, and Lakshmipriya Devi’s debut is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary talent working behind the scenes in Indian cinema. IFFM has always been committed to championing new voices, and Boong is exactly the kind of story that resonates globally—deeply rooted in its context yet universally human in its emotion.”
That universal resonance has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. Boong has already garnered multiple accolades, signaling its broad appeal and the growing recognition of regional Indian films. The film was awarded Best Feature Film at the International South Asian Film Festival in Canada, Best Youthful Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Australia, and the Audience Choice Award for Best Narrative Feature Film at The Indie Meme Film Festival. Lakshmipriya Devi herself received the Best Director award at the Bulbul Children’s International Film Festival in Goa, cementing her reputation as a rising talent in global cinema.
According to Bollywood Hungama, the selection of Boong as the Spotlight Film is also a testament to Excel Entertainment’s ongoing commitment to fostering unique cinematic voices. Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, known for their track record of championing fresh talent and compelling storytelling, have once again demonstrated their dedication to supporting films that push creative boundaries and highlight underrepresented narratives. Their involvement not only brings greater visibility to Manipuri cinema but also sets a precedent for other production houses to invest in regional stories with universal appeal.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, renowned for bringing together filmmakers and enthusiasts from across the globe, has made a name for itself by spotlighting culturally rich and groundbreaking Indian cinema. The 2025 edition, with its emphasis on diversity and bold storytelling, promises to be a vibrant showcase of India’s cinematic landscape. As Boong takes center stage, it will do so alongside a carefully curated selection of films that celebrate the country’s rich cultural tapestry and the evolving nature of its film industry.
For Lakshmipriya Devi, the journey to IFFM 2025 has been both transformative and rewarding. Her ability to weave a compelling narrative that resonates across cultures has drawn critical acclaim, with industry insiders and audiences alike praising her sensitivity and vision. As India Today notes, her directorial debut is not just a personal triumph, but a reflection of the broader movement within Indian cinema to recognize and elevate voices from regions and backgrounds that have historically been underrepresented on international platforms.
The recognition of Boong at IFFM 2025 also signals a shift in the global perception of Indian cinema. No longer confined to the stereotypes of Bollywood song-and-dance, films like Boong are demonstrating the depth, variety, and artistic ambition of India’s regional film industries. The growing appeal of such films in international markets is a testament to their ability to tell stories that, while deeply rooted in local contexts, speak to universal human experiences.
As the IFFM prepares to welcome filmmakers, critics, and audiences from around the world, the anticipation surrounding Boong is palpable. The film’s premiere is expected to be a highlight of the festival, drawing attention not only to the talents of Lakshmipriya Devi and her cast but also to the enduring power of cinema to bridge cultures and foster understanding.
With its sensitive storytelling, visionary direction, and the backing of industry heavyweights, Boong is more than just a festival selection—it’s a celebration of the new voices shaping the future of Indian cinema. As the spotlight turns to Melbourne this August, all eyes will be on Manipur’s valley, where a young boy’s quest to reunite his family is set to touch hearts far beyond his homeland.
