The 97th Academy Awards, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, are just two months away. Out of 323 feature films vying for Oscar nominations, 207 have been shortlisted for the prestigious Best Picture category. Among them, five Indian films have made it to the contenders’ list, including two box-office flops and three critically acclaimed movies.
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Indian Films in the Contenders’ List
1. Kanguva
Suriya’s big-budget Tamil movie Kanguva has surprised many by making it to the Oscar contenders’ list despite being a box-office failure. Directed by Siruthai Siva, the film had a budget of ₹350 crore but only grossed ₹100 crore. Starring Suriya in a dual role alongside Bobby Deol and Disha Patani, the film garnered mixed reviews but achieved international recognition with this nomination.
2. All We Imagine As Light
Written and directed by Payal Kapadia, All We Imagine As Light has become a frontrunner for the Oscars. The film debuted at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Grand Prix and became the first Indian movie since 1994 to compete in the main competition. Featuring Hridhu Haroon, Chhaya Kadam, and Kani Kusruti, this Malayalam-Hindi film has received widespread acclaim, Golden Globe nominations, and numerous international accolades.
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3. Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life)
Based on Benyamin’s best-selling novel, Aadujeevitham is a Malayalam survival drama directed by Blessy. The film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran as Najeeb, a Malayali immigrant labourer struggling in the Gulf. With its gripping narrative and powerful performances, this movie has earned critical acclaim and a spot on the prestigious contenders’ list.
4. Girls Will Be Girls
Shuchi Talati’s debut feature film, Girls Will Be Girls, is a coming-of-age story set in a boarding school in the Himalayan foothills. Starring Preeti Panigrahi, Kani Kusruti, and debutant Kesav Binoy Kiron, the movie explores the sexual awakening of a teenager and her complex relationship with her mother. It has been praised for its sensitive portrayal and compelling storytelling.
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5. Santosh
Directed by Sandhya Suri, Santosh is a Hindi-language crime drama set in rural northern India. Shahana Goswami plays the lead role of a widow who takes up her late husband’s position as a police officer. The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the 77th Cannes Film Festival and was selected as the UK’s submission for Best International Feature Film.
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Honorable Mentions
Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Randeep Hooda’s biographical film on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar has also gained attention for its powerful performances and detailed narrative. However, it has faced criticism for its alleged historical inaccuracies.
Putul
Putul is the first Bengali film to be shortlisted for the Oscars. This milestone marks a significant achievement for Bengali cinema and highlights its growing global recognition.
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Other Categories Announced by the Academy
In addition to Best Picture, the Academy has revealed shortlists for ten categories, including Animated Short Film, Documentary Feature, International Feature, Original Song, and Visual Effects.
The inclusion of five Indian films in the Oscar contenders’ list reflects the growing influence of Indian cinema on the global stage. While some films like Kanguva have stirred debates due to their commercial performance, others like All We Imagine As Light and Santosh have reaffirmed the artistic depth of Indian filmmakers. The final nominations, set to be announced on January 17, 2025, will determine which of these films secures a place at the prestigious Academy Awards.
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