Recently, we reported about the Manipuri film Boong winning Best Children's and Family Film at the BAFTAs. While the recognition has been widely appreciated, with even Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking note of it, the film institute now faces criticism for its decision to remove the film's director Lakshmipriya Devi's acceptance speech from social media.

Questioning the decision, Licypriya Kangujam, a climate activist, wrote, "Hello BAFTA, Why was Lakshmi Priya’s winning speech for the film Boong quietly removed from your official social media platforms today? This is deeply disappointing. BAFTA must uphold transparency and integrity." The activist's social media post went viral online, making many netizens react to the news.

Director Onir also joined the conversation that questions the film institute. Quote tweeting Licypriya Kangujam's criticism, the filmmaker wrote, "Why is BAFTA silent. Is such a heartfelt simple but powerful speech so unsettling.... who does it threaten?"

Speaking of which, in her BAFTA acceptance speech, the Boong director stated, "The walk up till here felt like the last few steps to reach a summit of a mountain we never knew we were climbing in the first place. I just want to use this opportunity to say that we pray for peace to return to Manipur. We pray that all the internally displaced children, including the child actors in the film, regain their joy, their innocence and their dreams once again."

The filmmaker went on to add, "We pray that no conflict is ever formidable enough to destroy the one superpower that all of us have as human beings, that is, forgiveness. So, thank you, BAFTA, for giving us not only an award but also this stage to express our hope."

Amid the criticism for BAFTA, Boong is slated for a rerelease in theatres.