Malayalam film '2018' becomes India's official entry for Oscars 2024
The Malayalam film 2018, aka 2018: Everyone is a Hero, featuring Tovino Thomas, has been selected as India's official entry for the 2024 Academy Awards. This announcement was made by the jury, led by Kannada film director Girish Kasaravalli, on Wednesday. Notably, the film will only become eligible for the award if it secures a place on the nomination list.
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It defeated films like 'Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway,' 'Zwigato,' 'Dasara'
The 96th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 10, 2024. Per reports, 22 films were shortlisted for consideration as India's official entry, including titles like The Kerala Story, Vaalvi, Gadar 2, Balagam, Dasara, Zwigato, The Storyteller, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Music School, Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway, Ghoomer, Viduthalai Part 1, Baap Layak, and 12th Fail.
Here's everything about Thomas-led '2018'
Bankrolled by Kavya Film Company and PK Prime Productions, 2018 chronicles the indomitable spirit of humanity that prevails amid adversity. Set against the backdrop of the devastating 2018 Kerala floods, it features a stellar cast of Thomas, Asif Ali, Lal, Narain, Kunchacko Boban, and Aparna Balamurali. The film emerged as a massive hit becoming the fastest Malayalam film to enter the Rs. 100cr club.
How has India fared in Oscar's Best Foreign Language category?
Recent years have seen prime choices of Indian films for the Best Foreign Language category, including The Last Picture Show (2022), Koozhangal (2021), Jallikattu (2020), Gully Boy (2019), and Village Rockstars (2018). India has yet to secure a win in the above-said category. Three Indian productions have secured nominations so far: Mother India (1975), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Ashutosh Gowariker's Lagaan (2001).
Revisting India's victory at Oscars 2022: 'RRR,' 'The Elephant Whisperers'
At the 95th Academy Award, SS Rajamouli's RRR scripted history by securing India's first-ever Oscar in the Music (Original Song) category. India garnered three nominations in three categories and secured two awards. Alongside Naatu Naatu, Kartiki Gonsalves's The Elephant Whisperers earned the Oscar for Best Documentary (Short). Shaunak Sen's All That Breathes made it to the nomination in the Documentary Feature Film category.
