There's some good news for India! The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released the names of 301 feature films that have made it to the Oscars reminder list. It includes a good number of Indian films released in 2022.
The Oscars reminder list includes Hindi films like The Kashmir Films, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. On the other hand, South biggies like Kantara and Vikrant Rona are also in the race along with Marathi films-Me Vasantrao and Tujhya Sathi Kahi Hi.
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Sharing the news on Twitter, Kantara's director and lead actor Rishab Shetty wrote, "We are overjoyed to share that 'Kantara' has received 2 Oscar qualifications! A heartfelt thank you to all who have supported us. We look forward to share this journey ahead with all of your support. Can’t wait to see it shine at the #Oscars (sic)"
We are overjoyed to share that 'Kantara' has received 2 Oscar qualifications! A heartfelt thank you to all who have supported us. We look forward to share this journey ahead with all of your support. Can’t wait to see it shine at the #Oscars #Kantara @hombalefilms #HombaleFilms
— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) January 10, 2023
The producer of Kantara, Vijay Kiragandur also expressed his pride for the film being qualified for the list. He said, "We are ecstatic and elated at the same time after seeing the contention list. Kantara has been a divine blessing for us. We are making every effort to promote the movie and we will do whatever it takes to qualify for the nominations. We are already in touch with our foreign distributors for the movie campaign promotions. Kantara has been a wonderful and a thrilling journey for all of us involved and we cumulatively take pride in how the movie has shaped and received appreciation globally."
The Kashmir Files' director wrote, "#TheKashmirFiles has been shortlisted for #Oscars2023 in the first list of @TheAcademy. It’s one of the 5 films from India. I wish all of them very best. A great year for Indian cinema."
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: #TheKashmirFiles has been shortlisted for #Oscars2023 in the first list of @TheAcademy. It’s one of the 5 films from India. I wish all of them very best. A great year for Indian cinema.
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) January 10, 2023
R Madhavan, director and actor in Rocketry, said, "R Madhavan being expressive about the film being in the Oscars First List says, “This film continues to give. The journey gets more rewarding and we are all in a daze. Firstly the love of the people around the world. Nambi sir getting the recognition he so richly deserved and NOW this, what more can I ask for from my directorial debut. The excitement begins again."
For the unversed, while these films are mentioned in the Oscars reminder list and can compete in various categories, it does not ensure or guarantee an Oscar nomination. On the other hand, RRR's song Naatu Naatu has been shortlisted for the Oscars in the Original Song and Chhello Show is competing in the International Feature Film category. Producer Guneet Monga's The Elephant Whisperers got shortlisted in the Documentary Short Film category.
(Source: Inputs from NDTV/Twitter)
