Zoya Akhtar’s Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt starrer Gully Boy has made the cut as India’s Oscar entry this year. The film has been selected under the Best International Feature Film category, earlier known as Best Foreign Language Film category at the the 92nd Academy Awards. The movie which follows the life an aspiring rapper has trumped the likes of other critically acclaimed films such Ayushmann Khurana’s Andhadhun, Baadhai Ho and Article 15, Malayalam film And the Oscar Goes to…, Kesari, Dear Comrade, Pahuna, to name a few.
India has been sending its Oscar entries since 1957 and only three films has managed to make it to the nominations so far. This includes, Mehboob Khan’s Mother India (1957), Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay! (1988) and Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan (2001).
Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray has represented India three times in this competition, which is the highest by any director. His movies include – Apur Sansar (1959), Mahanagar (1963), Shatranj Ke Khilari (1978). Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has represented India four times as an actor, including once as a director and thrice as a producer. Lagaan was his only film to receive a nomination at the prestigious Academy Awards.
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Meanwhile, actor Kamal Haasan has represented the country as a performer maximum times, with seven of his films being submitted. Saagar (1985), Swati Mutyam (1985), Nayagan (1987), Thevar Magan (1992), Kuruthipunal (1995), Indian (1996) and Hey Ram (2000) were the movies starring that were selected as India’s Oscar entries.
Here are the other India’s Oscar entries from the past 10 years:
2018
Village Rockstars (Assam)
This film follows a 10-year-old girl living in poverty in a village in Assam, who dreams of owning a guitar and forming a band with the local boys.
2017
Newton (Hindi)
Rajkummar Rao plays Newton, who is a government servant who is sent to a politically sensitive area in Central India for election duty. He attempts to hold a fair election despite obstacles.
2016
Visaaranai (Tamil)
A group of immigrants are tortured to plead guilty for a crime they didn’t commit. When a policeman helps to set them free, they agree to do him a favour in return. But they are unaware of the trouble they are getting themselves into.
2015
Court (Marathi)
This courtroom drama follows an aging activist. When he gets arrested, the story unfolds as the lives of the accused, the lawyers, and the judge intertwine to reveal bigotry that underscores the judicial system.
2014
Liar’s Dice (Hindi)
A young woman from Chitkul village and her girl child embark on a journey in search for her missing husband. A man promises to help in return for money. But it becomes difficult for them to continue the journey with limited money.
2013
The Good Road (Gujarati)
It follows different incidents in the life of different people, who are on a highway and how they influence each others lives.
2012
Barfi! (Hindi)
This love triangle movie follows a hearing and speech-impaired man, an autistic girl, and a beautiful woman who lives intertwine as the story unfolds.
2011
Adaminte Makan Abu (Malayalam)
Abu, a poor perfume seller lives with his wife. As the couple strive hard to make an attempt to go for Hajj pilgrimage, they may have to sacrifice their only dream.
2010
Peepli Live (Hindi)
As a farmer decides to commit suicide in order to get the farmers’ compensation, the media and politicians learn about his intentions. They come down to the village to capture the event.
Some of the other films that were India’s entry to the Oscars were Taare Zameen Par (2008), Eklavya: The Royal Guard (2007), Rang De Basanti (2006), Paheli (2005), Shwaas (2004), Devdas (2002), Earth (1999), Jeans (1998), Bandit Queen (!994), Guide (1965), to name a few.