Sherni and Sardar Udham are two movies that have been shortlisted to represent India in the race to 2022 Oscars.
The Academy, which honors international films in the ‘Best Foreign Language’ film category every year, will receive the finalized entry from India by the end of the year, as the race tightens to filter out the best that Indian cinema had to offer this year.
Sherni – which featured Vidya Balan in the lead role, was about a forest officer trying to create a balance between the wildlife and the lives of locals surrounded by a raw forest, affected by repeated attacks from a predatory wild animal. A thrilling, yet full-of-heart story about corruption, imbalance of power and the complex war between nature and man, the film was a success on OTT platforms and has now been shortlisted for the Oscar race.
On the other hand, Sardar Udham – is a more recent release, which featured Vicky Kaushal in the role of a largely unsung hero of India’s fight towards independence from the British. A beautifully filmed and heart-wrenching patriotic film, which is going to stun you in every scene – is the second choice to represent India at the 2022 Academy awards.
Actor Neeraj Kabi who was a part of Sherni was ecstatic upon hearing the news, but preferred to keep his cool – until it filters down to the final movie that is going to be sent, at the end:
“I know that we’ve all put so much effort into this film. This has been a fruit of labor, so let’s wait and see what comes out of it. I cannot say anything right now, whether it is Oscar-worthy or if it will win awards.”
So far, only 3 Indian movies have been even nominated at the Oscars in the ‘Best Foreign Language’ category – Mother India, Salaam Bombay, and Lagaan – and none have won yet. Will the curse ever be lifted?
The Oscars ceremony will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on March 27, 2022.