Tamil Movie ‘Koozhangal’ is India’s Official Entry for the Oscars

The film jury has finally decided on the official entry for the 94th Academy Awards that is soon going to be held in Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles in California. 

The Indian film that has made an entry is Tamil movie ‘Koozhangal’ (Pebbles) directed by Vinothraj P S. It has been produced and presented by Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan’s Rowdy Pictures banner.

Earlier there were reports doing the rounds that Shoojit Sircar’s ‘Sardar Udham’ and Amit Masurkar’s ‘Sherni’ were shortlisted however much to the disappointment of fans these two films are out of the race. 

Some of the other contenders were Chhello Show, Mandela, Nayattu, Laila, Laila Aur Satt Geet, and Bridge. 

This decision was taken by a jury of 15 members headed by Malayalam director Shaji N Karun. The screening of the movies kicked off at Bijoli cinema in Bhowanipore, Kolkata. 

‘Koozhangal’ explores the relationship between an alcoholic father and his son. His wife leaves the family due to his drunkard ways.  The rest of the film focuses on how the father and son duo, bring the woman back into the family. 

The debutant director was glad to hear the good news. He took to Twitter to express his joy and hope of bringing an Oscar to India. 

He wrote, “There’s a chance to hear this! ‘And the Oscars goes to’ Two steps away from a dream come true moment in our lives. 

#Pebbles #Nayanthara @PsVinothraj @thisisysr @AmudhavanKar @Rowdy_Pictures Can’t be prouder, happier & content (sic).”

Meanwhile, some some fans were shocked that films like ‘Sardar Udham’ were not selected as an official entry for the Oscars.

According to jury head Malayalam film-maker Shaji Karun, ‘Koozhangal’ scored brownie points because it focussed on humanism. “We wanted to select a film that celebrates humanism”, he explained. 

Jury members Sumit Basu and Indraadip Dasgupta pointed out that though ‘Sardar Udham’ was a “well-made production” and many loved the film for its cinematic quality, the length of the film and the projection of hatred towards the British in this era of globalization was an issue.