Amid RRR & The Kashmir Files buzz, Gujarati film Chhello Show makes it to Oscars as India's official entry

By Tanmayi Savadi

on September 21, 2022 03:26:17 AM

The Film Federation of India, on Tuesday, announced India's official entry for the 95th Academy Awards. While people had pinned their hopes on SS Rajamouli's RRR and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files, it came across as a surprise when Pan Nalin’s Last Film Show or Chhello Show made the cut.

Chhello Show, a Gujarati film, is a part-autobiographical drama that captures the charm of the western region of Gujarat while paying homage to the cinema of the past. It is a reminder of childhood innocence and the universal magic of the movies. It is headlined by Bhavin Rabari, Vikas Bata, Richa Meena, Bhavesh Shrimali, Dipen Raval and Rahul Koli. The story is set against the backdrop of cinemas in India witnessing a massive transition from celluloid to digital, where hundreds of single-screen cinemas stand dilapidated or have disappeared altogether.

We are extremely proud to share that @PanNalin‘s Last Film Show (Chhello Show) produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, Pan Nalin, Dheer Momaya and Mark Duale, is India’s official entry for the 2023 Oscars!@roykapurfilms #DheerMomaya @Orange_Studio_ #MonsoonFilms @iamrichameena pic.twitter.com/0CR5R4kuoh

— Roy Kapur Films (@roykapurfilms) September 20, 2022

Talking about Chhello Show making it to the Oscars, director Pan Nalin said, "I could have never imagined such a day would come and bring light and celebration of light. Chhello Show has been enjoying love from around the world but there was an ache in my heart how do I make India discover it? Now I can breathe again and believe in cinema that entertains, inspires and enlightens! Thank you FFI, thank you jury."

Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur told, "We are thrilled and honoured that our film, Last Film Show has been selected to represent India at the Academy Awards. There could not be a more apt time for a film like this one, that celebrates the magic and wonder of cinema and the theatrical experience. When cinema-going around the world has been disrupted by a pandemic, it reminds audiences anew of the first time they fell in love with the experience of watching a movie in a darkened cinema hall. It is a matter of great pride for us to represent our country with this film, and with the backing of our partners Samuel Goldwyn Films and Orange Studio, we will make sure that we give it our best shot at the Academy Awards!"

Producer Dheer Momaya said, "We are very excited, this is just a first step. We aim to get a nomination and eventually win. Hoping we can make our country proud!"