Hits every emotion correctly like that slingshot.Cute and fun, carried wonderfully by the child actors. The banter between the kids is genuinely entertaining, and the conversations between the mother and son are filled with warmth, care, and that familiar mix of affection and mom-anger, which makes them very funny. The film also addresses racism against outsiders in Manipur in a meaningful way. Some character decisions initially feel strange or confusing, but the climax eventually explains why those decisions were made, which makes those moments work in hindsight. The cinematography and beautiful locations keep the film visually engaging throughout.
The story is a strong blend of emotion, comedy, and drama, and for a brief moment during the climax, it even feels like a thriller. While the ending itself is somewhat expected, the way it is revealed at that exact moment makes it feel surprisingly impactful. The film also nicely incorporates multiple Indian languages, adding authenticity. The two songs are memorable, bold, and serve as an interesting piece of social commentary. The real stars of the film are the two boys, Boong and Raju (Gugun Kipgen and Angom Sanamatum), followed closely by Bala Hijam as the mother and Vikram Kochhar, whom we may recognize from Hindi films. The friendship between Boong and Raju is especially beautiful to watch.
At its core, the film is about relationships, portraying both the positive and difficult sides of human connections. It’s a strong film with strong characters overall and one that feels easy to recommend to everyone. A well-deserved BAFTA winner. Kudos to Excel Entertainment for supporting this film.
Also,
'Like a virgin...' (a Boong movie reference), this became my first experience watching a non-dubbed film in its original language with subtitles.
Marwadi. Business. Businessman.
