Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ As the 97th Academy Awards draw closer, the excitement surrounding the prestigious event has intensified, particularly for Indian cinema. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed the 323 feature films eligible for this year’s Oscars, and among the 207 films vying for the coveted Best Picture nomination, seven Indian films have made the cut. This marks a significant milestone, with films from diverse Indian languages gaining international recognition.
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One of the standout contenders in the race for Best Picture is Kanguva, a Tamil-language film starring Suriya, Bobby Deol, and Disha Patani. Directed by Siva, Kanguva has faced mixed reactions at the box office but has now emerged as a serious Oscar contender. The film’s inclusion in the shortlist is a testament to its cinematic value, despite its early struggles. Kanguva’s unique narrative and stellar performances have earned it a place among the 207 films considered for the Academy’s top honor. Joining Kanguva in the Best Picture category are six other Indian films. These include Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), Santosh, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, All We Imagine as Light, Girls Will Be Girls, and Putul.
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Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life)
Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), a Malayalam-language survival drama directed by Blessy, is one of the most anticipated films in the shortlist. Based on the bestselling 2008 novel by Benyamin, the film follows the gripping journey of Najeeb, a Malayali immigrant laborer stranded in harsh desert conditions in the Gulf. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the lead role, supported by a talented cast including Jimmy Jean-Louis, Amala Paul, and Shobha Mohan. The film has been widely praised for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of human resilience in the face of adversity.
Putul
Another noteworthy inclusion is Putul, directed and produced by Indira Dhar. This Bengali film has made history by becoming the first-ever Bengali film to be considered for the Best Picture category at the Oscars. Putul’s recognition marks a significant achievement for Bengali cinema, underlining the growing global appreciation for regional Indian films.
Santosh
Santosh, a 2024 Hindi-language crime drama directed by Sandhya Suri, is also in the running for Best Picture. Set in rural north India, the film tells the story of a widow, portrayed by Shahana Goswami, who takes on the role of a police constable after the death of her husband. Santosh had its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered positive reviews and was later selected as the UK’s official entry for Best International Feature Film. The film is set for theatrical release in India on January 10, 2025.
Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, a biographical film about the life of Indian freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, has also earned a spot among the contenders. Directed by Randeep Hooda, who also stars in the titular role, the film provides a detailed account of Savarkar’s life. Although it has faced criticism for allegedly distorting historical facts, the film’s performances, particularly Hooda’s portrayal of Savarkar, have been lauded.
All We Imagine as Light
All We Imagine as Light, a 2024 Malayalam-Hindi film by Payal Kapadia, is another strong contender. The film won the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival and was named one of the top international films by the National Board of Review. Praised for its innovative narrative, it explores themes of identity, belonging, and human connection, and has earned critical acclaim for its direction and performances.
Girls Will Be Girls
Girls Will Be Girls, a 2024 Hindi-English coming-of-age drama, has also made the shortlist. Written and directed by Shuchi Talati, the film explores the emotional and romantic lives of teenagers at a boarding school in the Himalayan foothills. The film’s sensitive portrayal of the complexities of growing up, along with strong performances from its young cast, has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Kanguva
In Kanguva, Suriya takes on yet another period role, following his portrayal in 7aum Arivu. Directed by Siruthai Siva, the film aims to deliver an epic tale of a warrior named Kanguva, set in a time before 10,000 BC. The film also stars Disha Patani and Yogi Babu, among others. Kanguva is a Tamil fantasy drama that traces the journey of a fearless tribal warrior from over a thousand years ago, whose story intertwines with that of a modern-day bounty hunter. The film weaves together two timelines, blending mythology with intense action. Now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Kanguva stars Suriya and generated significant anticipation ahead of its release. Despite underperforming at the box office, the film has earned a second chance, meeting the eligibility criteria for the Academy Awards’ Best Picture category and keeping its Oscar hopes alive.
As the Oscars 2025 nomination voting period, running from January 8 to 12, draws to a close, these seven Indian films stand as a testament to the diverse and dynamic nature of Indian cinema. The final nominations will be announced on January 17, 2025, with the Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre. Notably, the Indian short film Anuja, executive produced by two-time Oscar winner Guneet Monga, has also made the shortlist for Best Live Action Short. Additionally, Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies was selected as India’s official entry for Best International Feature Film, though it did not make the shortlist. The road to the Oscars remains long, but for Indian filmmakers and audiences alike, the inclusion of these films is a proud moment that highlights the increasing global recognition of Indian cinema.
