New Delhi: Pan Nalin’s Gujarati film Chhello Show becomes India’s official choice at the upcoming 95th Oscar Awards. The film has been named under the category of Best International Feature. It is surprisingly contrary to the speculation of RRR or The Kashmir Files getting a nod.
Chhello Show, set against the backdrop of cinemas in India, takes its journey from celluloid to digital. Speaking on achieving this milestone, Nalin said, “I could have never imagined such a day would come. Now, I can breathe again and believe in cinema that entertains, inspires, and enlightens.”
However, this move by the Film Federation of India (FFI) has also made upset a section of cine-goers, who voted for films such as RRR and The Kashmir Files. Even a few netizens showed their distress with the decision by trending #RRRForOscars.
Reacting to the disagreements on the FFI’s decision, director-actor TS Nagabharana, revealed that Chhello Show was picked ‘unanimously” by a 17-member jury.
“We know everyone was expecting RRR. But, the idea was to have a film that represents the country in an Indian, unique way. Chhello Show transcends the narrative of the regular Indian reality in a broader sense while tugging on emotional chords,” he says.
TS Nagabharana served as the head of the committee of selection for the Oscars.
About Chhello Show
The Gujarati film is based on the life of a young Samay’s pursuit of happiness which is a 35mm screen. Growing in a conventional Indian village, he chases light which, he believes, will eventually will help him tell a story on big screens. Directed by Pan Nalin, Chhello Show stars Bhavin Rabari, Bhavesh Shrimali, Richa Meena, Dipen Raval and Paresh Mehta. The film premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2021.
In October 2021, Chhello Show won the Golden Spike at the 66th Valladolid International Film Festival.
