The biggest blockbusters of 2022 RRR, Vivek Agnihotri’s directorial The Kashmir Files, Rishab Shetty’s Kannada film Kantara, Chhello Show (Last Film Show) and Alia Bhatt’s Gangubai Kathiawadi have been named in the list of 301 films eligible of Oscars 2023.
The list was released by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) on January 10. The final nominations will be announced on January 24, 2023.
Vivek Agnihotri, director of ‘The Kashmir Files’ called 2022 a “great year for Indian cinema”. He tweeted, “Pallavi Joshi, Mithun Chakraborty, Darshan Kumar and Anupam Kher are all shortlisted for best actor categories. It’s just the beginning. A long road ahead. Please bless them all.”
“I am deeply humbled by the shortlisting of the film. Kashmiri files is a special film since it talks about the genocide that happened & nobody spoke about the incident for 32 years,” said Anupam Kher on Kashmiri Files being eligible for Oscar nomination.
The Kashmir Files has made lakhs of people realise the harsh reality of Kashmir and the brutal genocide of Kashmiri pandits that had been denied for all these years. The film aptly shows the threats received by the Hindu community to leave the valley as a result of the rising Islamic terrorism in the state.
Slamming the critiques, veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, who also played an important role in the film, said the film’s entry to the eligible film list for Oscars is the answer to those who called it a ‘vulgar’ and a ‘propaganda’ film.
“It feels great that Kashmir files has been shortlisted. It’s an answer to all the critiques. The jury who called the movie vulgar and propaganda has gotten the answer today. The people have liked the movie and that’s the response”, Chakraborty said.
Rishab Shetty, a writer, director and the lead actor of Kantara, also shared his happiness and said, “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 sharing this journey ahead with all of your support. Can’t wait to see it shine at the Oscars”
The producer of the film Vijay Kiragandur 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 thrilling journey for all of us involved and we cumulatively take pride in how the movie has shaped and received appreciation globally.”
Rishab Shetty’s act in the climax can make anyone mesmerised with its impeccable choreography by Raj B Shetty and can guarantee goosebumps. The film has completed 100 days since its release and is still running in cinema halls.
Chhello Show made it to the best international film segment, while SS Rajamouli’s RRR starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR, which was the year’s biggest blockbuster, is listed in the music (original song) category for song Naatu Naatu.
RRR’s story is based on the lives of two Telugu freedom fighters Komaram Bheem and Alluri Seetharama Raju. The film’s collection is over Rs 1200 crore worldwide.
Several other films also made the cut from India. Marathi films Me Vasantrao’, ‘Tujhya Sathi Kahi Hi’, R Madhavan’s ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’, ‘Vikrant Rona’ and ‘Iravin Nizhal’ are also a part of the list.
As many as 9,579 members will be voting for films in each category on January 12. The official nominations will be announced on January 24, 2023, with the ceremony on March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
