In a notable move, India has announced that the Malayalam film “2018” will serve as its official entry for the Oscars in 2024. The film, subtitled “Everyone Is A Hero,” is a gripping survival drama centered around the catastrophic floods that struck Kerala in 2018.
Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, “2018” features a talented ensemble cast, including Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Narain, and Lal. The film, released in May this year, has not only received critical acclaim but has also emerged as a box office sensation. It holds the distinction of becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time and ranks among the top earners in Indian cinema this year.
The selection of “2018” for India’s official entry into the Oscars was announced at a press conference by filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli, who chairs the 16-member selection committee. Kasaravalli highlighted the film’s compelling theme addressing the impacts of climate change as a key factor in its selection.
This decision marks a significant moment for Indian cinema, as no Indian entry has been nominated for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars since the iconic “Lagaan” in 2002. “2018” now joins the ranks of only a handful of Indian films that have made it to the final nomination stage at the prestigious awards ceremony. Previous Indian films that achieved this distinction include “Mother India” and Mira Nair’s “Salaam Bombay!”
In recent years, Indian cinema has made noteworthy strides at the Oscars, with achievements such as “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR” winning Best Original Song and “The Elephant Whisperers” securing the Best Documentary Short Subject category. Although Shaunak Sen’s “All That Breathes” earned a nomination for Best Documentary Feature, it didn’t clinch the award.
The Oscars ceremony for 2024 is scheduled for March 10, offering “2018” the opportunity to compete for the coveted Best International Feature Film Oscar, a category previously known as Best Foreign Film. This nomination reflects India’s ongoing contributions to global cinema and its commitment to storytelling on a grand stage.
Indian cinema has a rich history at the Oscars, with luminaries like Bhanu Athaiya and Satyajit Ray receiving prestigious awards. Additionally, films like “Slumdog Millionaire” have garnered widespread acclaim, earning multiple Oscar wins, including Best Original Song for “Jai Ho” and Best Original Score for A.R. Rahman. The Oscars continue to serve as a platform for celebrating exceptional talent and storytelling in the world of film.
Sources By Agencies
