After the monumental success of the film, S.S. Rajamouli ‘RRR’ at the Oscars, India has begun selecting its official entry for the 2024 Oscars. A host of films, including Balagam, Kerala Story, Zvigato, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, are currently vying for this prestigious opportunity. The Oscar committee has begun the selection process with a series of screenings in Chennai, with an official announcement expected next week.
The selection process for the 2024 Oscars begins
It’s been a truly remarkable year for Indian cinema, with films like RRR and Guneet Monga’s The Elephant Whisperer achieving notable success at the 2023 Oscars. According to reports in Hindustan Times, a 17-member committee headed by director Girish Kasaravalli scrutinizes all applications during the screening process in Chennai. The committee received over 22 applications from across India, each vying for the opportunity to represent the country on the world stage.
A source closely associated with the selection process said, “Some of the films sent to the Film Federation of India for Oscar consideration include titles like Anant Mahadevan’s The Storyteller (Hindi), School of Music (Hindi), Mrs. Chatterjee.” v. Norway (Hindi), 12th Fail (Hindi), Viduthalai Part 1 (Tamil), Gumer (Hindi) and Dasara (Telugu).”
The source further added, “Additions like ‘Waalvi’ (Marathi), ‘Gadar 2’ (Hindi), ‘Ab Toh Sab Bhagwan Bharose’ (Hindi) and ‘Baap Liok’ (Marathi) may be added to the list.”
Since the review process began in Chennai on September 20, the final decision is expected to be announced by the end of this month.
“NAATU NAATU” and “WHISPER OF THE ELEPHANT” shine bright
The 95th Academy Awards, held on March 13, was a moment of immense pride for India as not one, but two of its entries secured wins at the prestigious event. SS Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’ created a stir with ‘Naatu Naatu’ winning in the Best Original Song category. Additionally, Karthika Gonsalves and Guneet Monga’s The Elephant Whisperer won an Oscar in the documentary short category. Deepika Padukone also hosted the 2023 Oscars, sharing the stage with eminent personalities such as Emily Blunt, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson, Michael B. Jordan, Janelle Monáe, Zoe Saldana, Jennifer Connelly, Riz Ahmed and Melissa McCarthy.