21st September 2023,Mumbai: The year 2023 has undeniably been a remarkable one for Hindi cinema, with several Bollywood blockbusters crossing the coveted Rs 100 crore mark worldwide, leaving a resounding impact at the global box office. Movies like “Pathaan,” “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” and the highly anticipated “Gadar 2” have rewritten the records and set new standards. In the wake of this cinematic triumph, the Indian film industry is now eagerly awaiting the opportunity to shine on the international stage as top Hindi films contend for India’s official entry to the 96th Academy Awards in 2024.
High Expectations after India’s Oscar Success
With India clinching two Oscars in the previous year, the anticipation surrounding the 2024 Academy Awards is palpable. The country celebrated its maiden Academy Award for a feature film when “RRR” secured the Best Original Score accolade at the 95th Academy Awards. Additionally, Guneet Monga’s “The Elephant Whisperer” achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film. The remarkable success of these films has raised the bar for Indian cinema, fueling aspirations for further recognition on the global stage.
The Selection Process Takes Center Stage
In the pursuit of selecting India’s official entry to the Oscars, the Film Federation of India’s Oscar selection committee has embarked on a meticulous evaluation process. Reports suggest that the committee has already begun screening the submissions in Chennai, gearing up for a final decision expected to be announced next week. Impressively, over 22 submissions have poured in from filmmakers across India, reflecting the nation’s diverse cinematic landscape.
The Committeee’s Decision-Making Authority
The responsibility of selecting India’s official entry for the 96th Academy Awards rests with the 17-member committee, headed by renowned filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli. This distinguished panel of industry experts holds the fate of these exceptional films in their hands. The committee’s collective judgment will play a pivotal role in determining which Indian film earns the privilege of representing the nation at the Oscars.
A Diverse Array of Contenders
The list of films submitted for consideration is nothing short of diverse and impressive. Notable entries include “The Storyteller” and “Music School” in Hindi, “Rani Mukerji’s Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway,” “12th Fail,” and “Abhishek Bachchan-starrer Ghoomer,” among others. The inclusion of Tamil film “Viduthalai Part 1,” Telugu blockbuster “Dasara” starring Nani, and Marathi films like “Vaalvi” and “Baap Lyok” reflects the rich tapestry of Indian cinema.
Pending Submissions and Possible Surprises
While some films, including “Gadar 2,” “Ab Toh Sab Bhagwan Bharose,” and “Baap Lyok,” have been submitted to the committee, they are yet to fulfill the submission fees requirement. Additionally, there’s a buzz surrounding Shah Rukh Khan’s “Jawan,” as director Atlee has expressed his intention to discuss its submission with the Bollywood icon. If this materializes, it could potentially add another intriguing dimension to the selection process.
As the screenings of these films unfold over the next week, the Indian film industry and its fans await with bated breath to discover which cinematic gem will have the honor of representing India on the grand stage of the 96th Academy Awards in 2024. The journey from the box office triumphs of 2023 to the global recognition of the Oscars promises to be an exciting and pivotal chapter in the annals of Hindi cinema.
-by Kashvi Gala