Pan Nalin's Gujarati film, Chhello Show or Last Film Show got selected as India's official entry for Oscars 2023. The Film Federation of India made the much-anticipated announcement on Tuesday. In an interview with a leading daily, Film Federation of India President producer TP Aggarwal revealed that the film was a “unanimous” choice inside the jury's room.

Chhello Show reportedly competed with Hindi films like Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt's Brahmastra, SS Rajamouli’s RRR, R Madhavan’s Rocketry – The Nambi Effect, Amitabh Bachchan’s Jhund, Rajkummar Rao-Bhumi Pednekar's Badhaai Do and Ayushmann Khurrana-led Anek.

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The President of FFI said, "Chhello Show was a unanimous decision by the jury. Out of the 17, all of them said we need this film. We are never inside so this was completely the jury’s decision. They said it is an Indian film that should go (for Oscar)."

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.

(Source: Indian Express)