In a significant turn of events, Indian cinema is rekindling hopes at the Oscars, with two standout films making their mark in the race for the prestigious Best Picture category. According to reports from Manorama News Online, Jude Anthany Joseph’s “2018” and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s “12th Fail” have secured positions among the elite contenders for the upcoming 96th Academy Awards.
Originally aiming for recognition in the Best Foreign Feature Film category, Jude Anthany Joseph’s Malayalam survival drama, “2018,” faced initial disappointment when it failed to secure a spot in the shortlist. However, a recent report reveals a renewed opportunity for the film’s glory as it competes alongside 264 other global contenders in the broader category of Best Picture.
This turn of events comes after both films had successful releases in multiple theaters across the United States, meeting the sole criterion for eligibility in the Oscars race.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s biographical drama, “12th Fail,” joins “2018” in the competitive lineup, showcasing a promising surge for Indian cinema on the international stage.
The final nominations for the 96th Academy Awards, scheduled to be unveiled on January 23rd, will be selected from this pool of 265 films. The top 10 films from this extensive list will secure coveted nominations, elevating the stakes for these Indian cinematic gems.
“2018” intricately weaves a narrative around the catastrophic 2018 Kerala floods, a calamity of unprecedented proportions. Drawing inspiration from real-life tales entwined within this natural disaster, the film features an ensemble cast including Tovino Thomas, Aparna Balamurali, Asif Ali, Kunchacko Boban, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Narain, and more. It has garnered both critical acclaim and fan adulation.
Originally released on May 5th, “2018” achieved considerable success despite its medium budget. The film received acclaim for its technical perfection and Jude Anthany’s direction, making it one of the top grossers in Mollywood during the year 2023.
