“2018” is a Malayalam Film that was selected as India’s official entry at the Oscars.

It’s time for India to throw its hat in the ring. On Wednesday, the Film Federation of India announced that Malayalam Film “2018” has been selected as India’s entry in the Oscars for the Best International Feature Category.

It had to compete with films like The Kerala Story (Hindi), Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Hindi), Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway (Hindi), Balagam (Telugu), Vaalvi (Marathi), Baaplyok (Marathi), and August 16, 1947 (Tamil).

About the Film

It stars Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Asif Ali, Tanvi Ram, and Kalaiyarasan. Directed by Judy Anthany Joseph. It was released on May 5, 2023. Moreover, it became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time.

The story is based on the catastrophic floods in the state of Kerala in 2018. It shows how floods caused devastation in the state. Then, how people came together in rescue efforts.

India’s Academy Awards History

India has never won an Oscar in this category. Till now, Mother India in 1957, Salaam Bombay! in 1988, and Lagaan in 2001 have been nominated for Best International Film.

However, earlier this year, India won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for Naatu Naatu and Best Documentary for The Elephant Whispers.

Published by HOLR Magazine