Chhello gets the Oscar nod, makers of RRR still stay hopeful

• The Film Federation of India’s (FFI) decision has, however, also outraged those moviegoers who support titles like RRR and The Kashmir Files.
• The same could be seen on social media, as #RRRFforOscars quickly became popular.
• However, there is still hope for the SS Rajamouli-directed film because its US distributor plans to submit it for nomination in more categories.

The Gujarati movie Chhello Show (also known as The Last Film Show in English) by Pan Nalin has been chosen as India’s official entry for Best International Feature at the upcoming 95th Academy Awards, defying the general agreement that RRR or The Kashmir Files should receive the honor.

“I could have never imagined such a day would come. Now, I can breathe again and believe in cinema that entertains, inspires and enlightens,” Nalin said on the honour for his film, which is set against the backdrop of cinemas in India that saw the transition from celluloid to digital.

The Film Federation of India’s (FFI) decision has, however, also outraged those moviegoers who support titles like RRR and The Kashmir Files. The same could be seen on social media, as #RRRFforOscars quickly became popular.

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Chhello Show was chosen “unanimously” by a 17-member jury, according to director-actor TS Nagabharana, who acted as the head of the Oscars selection committee, in response to the discussion around the FFI’s choice. “We know everyone was expecting RRR. But, the idea was to have a film that represents the country in an Indian, unique way. Chhello Show transcends the narrative of the regular Indian reality in a broader sense, while tugging on emotional chords,” he says.

On the RRR snub, he adds, “Do people mean to say only marketing, entertainment value or collection figure are the criteria to make a mark at the Oscars? It is the story that matters, not the popularity.”

However, there is still hope for the SS Rajamouli-directed film because its US distributor plans to submit it for nomination in more categories. Variety reports that the movie will be nominated in a number of categories, including best picture, director, original screenplay, lead actor, supporting actor, supporting actress, and original song.

The Kashmir Files by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri was regarded as one of the top contenders. The director, though, is unsure about following the independent route like RRR. “I wish the whole team of Chhello Show good luck for the Oscars 2023. I have nothing else to say. When it comes to applying independently, it is a decision the producers will take. Right now, I am doing another film and have moved on,” Agnihotri tells us.

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Three films from India have ever received Best International Feature nominations at the Oscars: Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2001). But none have triumphed.

Although it is “too early to throw up the hopes of Chhello Show,” says industry expert Atul Mohan, RRR still has a chance to triumph at the awards.

Expert in international trade Taran Adarsh adds, “Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope for some Oscar glory for India,” echoing similar thoughts.