As the 97th Academy Awards approaches, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has revealed the list of 323 feature films eligible for this year’s Oscars. Among these, 207 films are competing for the coveted Best Picture category, and remarkably, seven Indian films have made the cut, showcasing the growing prominence of Indian cinema on the global stage.
Leading this list is Suriya’s ambitious historical drama, Kanguva, which, despite a mixed box-office reception initially, has emerged as a strong Oscar contender. Directed by Siva and starring Bobby Deol and Disha Patani alongside Suriya, the film combines grand storytelling with poignant themes of love and sacrifice.
Joining Kanguva are six other Indian films that span across diverse genres and languages, representing the rich tapestry of Indian storytelling. These films include the survival drama Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), the historical biopic Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, the critically acclaimed Santosh, the Bengali drama Putul, the international co-production All We Imagine as Light, and the coming-of-age story Girls Will Be Girls.
Let’s dive into the stories behind these cinematic gems as they vie for recognition at the most prestigious awards ceremony in the film industry.
Aadujeevitham: A Story of Survival and Resilience
Blessy’s Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) is an emotionally charged Malayalam-language survival drama adapted from Benyamin’s best-selling novel of the same name. The film tells the harrowing true story of Najeeb, a Malayali immigrant labourer stranded in the Gulf, whose journey of survival reflects themes of human endurance and resilience.
Featuring a powerful performance by Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role, alongside an international cast including Jimmy Jean-Louis, Amala Paul, and Talib Al Balushi, the film immerses viewers in Najeeb’s trials in an unforgiving desert landscape. With its striking cinematography and soul-stirring narrative, Aadujeevitham has already earned critical acclaim and now stands as a proud representative of Indian cinema at the Oscars.
Putul: A Milestone for Bengali Cinema
Putul, directed by Indira Dhar, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Bengali film to be considered for the Best Picture category at the Oscars. The film’s poignant storytelling and compelling narrative have placed Bengali cinema on the global map.
Centered around the lives of two estranged sisters, Putul delves into themes of family, identity, and reconciliation. Its inclusion in the Oscars eligibility list underscores the growing recognition of regional Indian cinema in international arenas.
Santosh: A Tale of Strength and Determination
Directed by Sandhya Suri, Santosh is a Hindi-language crime drama set in rural North India. Shahana Goswami delivers a gripping performance as a widow who defies societal norms by stepping into her late husband’s role as a police constable.
The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024, garnering widespread praise for its raw depiction of rural life and the challenges faced by women in male-dominated professions. Selected as the UK’s entry for Best International Feature Film, Santosh is poised to make waves at the Oscars.
Swatantrya Veer Savarkar: A Controversial Biopic
Swatantrya Veer Savarkar chronicles the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, one of India’s most polarising historical figures. Directed and co-written by Randeep Hooda, who also portrays the titular role, the film takes viewers through Savarkar’s life, from his early years to his political ideologies and role in India’s independence struggle.
While the film has faced criticism for its alleged historical inaccuracies, Hooda’s performance has been universally lauded. This Hindi-language biopic remains a significant contender, reflecting the Academy’s increasing interest in diverse historical narratives.
All We Imagine as Light: A Festival Favourite
Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light has already made a mark on the international festival circuit, winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The Malayalam-Hindi bilingual film stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam, and explores complex relationships and emotional landscapes.
Topping several critics’ lists, including the Sight & Sound poll for the best film of 2024, it has been hailed for its poetic storytelling and unique visual style. With two Golden Globe nominations under its belt, All We Imagine as Light is considered a strong contender at this year’s Oscars.
Girls Will Be Girls: A Coming-of-Age Drama
Girls Will Be Girls marks the feature directorial debut of Shuchi Talati and explores the intricate relationship between a teenager and her mother. Set in the picturesque Himalayan foothills, the film captures the struggles of growing up and the dynamics of maternal love and protection.
With debut performances by Preeti Panigrahi and Kesav Binoy Kiron, alongside seasoned actor Kani Kusruti, the Hindi-English film has already won hearts with its nuanced portrayal of adolescent challenges.
Kanguva: Suriya’s Magnum Opus
Kanguva, directed by Siva, is a historical drama featuring Suriya in a dual role. Despite receiving mixed reviews during its theatrical release, the film’s stunning visuals, strong performances, and epic narrative have earned it a place among the Oscar-eligible films.
Co-starring Bobby Deol and Disha Patani, the film’s journey to the Oscars highlights how Indian cinema continues to push boundaries and redefine storytelling on a global scale.
India’s Growing Presence at the Oscars
Beyond the seven feature films in contention, India’s presence at the 97th Academy Awards extends to other categories. Anuja, a short film executive produced by two-time Oscar winner Guneet Monga, has made the shortlist for Best Live Action Short. Meanwhile, Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies was India’s official entry for Best International Feature Film, though it unfortunately did not make the shortlist.
The Road Ahead
The Oscar nomination voting process is set to take place from January 8-12, 2025, with the final list of nominees to be announced on January 17, 2025. As the anticipation builds, these seven Indian films serve as a testament to the diversity, creativity, and depth of Indian storytelling.
From survival dramas to biographical epics, Indian filmmakers are increasingly gaining recognition on the global stage. The 97th Academy Awards, to be held on March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre, promises to be an exciting event for Indian cinema enthusiasts worldwide.
As Indian films continue to make waves internationally, the inclusion of these diverse works at the Oscars is a proud moment for the country. It reflects the growing appreciation for stories that resonate across cultures, languages, and borders. With the countdown to the ceremony underway, all eyes are now on which of these films will secure nominations and, potentially, bring home the coveted golden statuette.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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