NI Bureau
All eyes are set upon the 97th Annual Academy Awards, set for March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. While the nominations were supposed to be declared on January 17, the announcement was delayed to today, January 23, because of the rampant wildfires in Los Angeles. While the cinema lovers are waiting for the nominations eagerly, a few Hollywood films are stirring the buzz for their potential nomination, including Demi Moore’s The Substance, the award-winning The Brutalist, and Emilia Perez.
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Now, coming to Indian cinema, let’s see which are the 10 Indian films competing in the race for the Oscar nomination:
1. Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, which marks Randeep Hooda’s directorial debut, has received accolades for its interesting portrayal of history and Hooda’s performance. The period drama has mesmerized audiences and critics alike.
2. Putul
Putul, directed by Indira Dhar, is a Bengali-language film that made history by being the first Bengali film ever to be screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Its international recognition has raised hope around an Oscar nomination.
3. Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life
Based on a 2008 Malayalam novel by Benyamin, Aadujeevitham is a true tale of a Malayali migrant labourer in the Gulf, and its powerful narrative is making waves among international audiences.
4. All We Imagine As Light
This film boasts of a star-studded cast including Kani Kusruti, Chhaya Kadam, and Divya Prabha, and last year it won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Its emotional depth and cinematic brilliance are bound to enhance its Oscar nomination prospects.
5. Band of Maharajas
Girish Malik’s Band of Maharajas is a coming together of musicians from different genres who unite to create a big symphony that makes a bold bridge across cultural and geographical divides, which makes it a strong contender.
6. Kanguva
Though the epic fantasy Kanguva did not have a big box office impact, it has settled on an Oscar race with its stunning visuals and flamboyant storytelling.
7. The Zebras
Set in Kolkata, The Zebras follows the story of a documentary photographer who uses AI to port virtual demons into the city. It has a whiff of the inquisitive that makes it stand out for this year’s season.
8. Anuja
Directed by Adam Graves and Suchitra Mattai, Anuja is a short film executed against the vivacious canvas of Delhi. Produced by high-profile names Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra, this brings additional spotlight on the film.
9. Girls will be Girls
Production by Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha, it is about a coming-of-age journey taken by girls nevertheless treating one of those often-taboo subjects: female sexuality. It struck a chord due to its rawness and authenticity.
10. Santosh
Features Shahana Goswami in a hard-hitting role, and the story tells that of a young widow who takes to being a police constable after her husband died in rural North India. It has a poignant narrative and social commentary that drove it into the race.
Peksha Nahata
