Tamil drama 'Koozhangal' is India's official entry for Oscars 2022
New Delhi, Oct 23: Tamil drama "Koozhangal" ("Pebbles"), directed by filmmaker Vinothraj PS, has been selected as India's official entry for the 94th Academy Awards.
The movie follows an alcoholic abusive husband who, after his long-suffering wife runs off, sets out with his young son to find her and bring her back.
It stars newcomers --Chellapandi and Karuththadaiyaan -- and is produced by Vignesh Shivan and Nayanthara.
"India's official entry for Oscars this year is 'Koozhangal'. It was picked by a 15-member jury, headed by filmmaker Shaji N Karun, in a unanimous decision," Supran Sen, Secretary General, Film Federation of India, told PTI.
A total of 14 films, including Malayalam feature "Nayattu", Tamil film "Mandela", filmmaker Shoojit Sircar's "Sardar Udham", Vidya Balan-starrer "Sherni", Farhan Akhtar's "Toofan", Captain Vikram Batra biopic "Shershaah" and Marathi film "Godavari", were in the race.
Shivan also took to Twitter and shared the news that the film will represent India at the Oscar's best international feature category.
"There's a chance to hear this! And the Oscars goes to... Two steps away from a dream come true moment in our lives... #Pebbles #Nayanthara @PsVinothraj @thisisysr @AmudhavanKar @Rowdy_Pictures Can't be prouder , happier & content," he posted on the microblogging site.
Vinothraj said he was grateful for all the love and support.
"Could not be more happier to receive this news," he tweeted.
"Koozhangal" had won the top honour, the Tiger Award for best film, at the 50th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), earlier this year.
Following the announcement, filmmaker Hansal Mehta sent his best wishes to the team behind "Koozhangal".
"All the best to this little gem! What is important is that this film's onward journey gets solid support both strategic and financial or else these selections only remain a local cause for celebration," he tweeted.
Director Onir also congratulated the cast and crew and said he is looking forward to watch the film in theatre.
"Congratulations@PsVinothraj@VigneshShivN@AmudhavanKar. Looking forward to watching #Peebles in the theatres . Have heard so much good things about the film. Best wishes," he wrote.
The 94th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 27, 2022 in Los Angeles. The nominations will be announced on February 8, 2022.
No Indian film has ever won an Oscar. The last Indian film that made it to the final five in the best international feature category was Ashutosh Gowariker's Aamir Khan-starrer "Lagaan" in 2001.
The other two Indian movies to have made it to the top five are "Mother India" (1958) and "Salaam Bombay" (1989).
India's entry for the 2021 Oscars was Malayalam feature "Jallikattu", directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery.
There’s a chance to hear this!
— Vignesh Shivan (@VigneshShivN) October 23, 2021
“And the Oscars goes to …. 🎉🎉🥰🥰🥰🥰 “
Two steps away from a dream come true moment in our lives …. ❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰#Pebbles #Nayanthara @PsVinothraj @thisisysr @AmudhavanKar @Rowdy_Pictures
Can’t be prouder , happier & content 💝 pic.twitter.com/NKteru9CyI
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Ready to face no-confidence motion, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
Hassan (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that the Congress government led by him was ready to face the no-confidence motion if moved by the opposition during the legislature session from December 8.
With Deputy CM D K Shivakumar by his side, he reiterated that they would both abide by the high command's decision on the leadership issue.
"Let them (opposition) bring in a no-confidence motion or adjournment motion or any other motion. We are ready to face it. Ours is an open book, transparent government. We are ready to face anything," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question.
However, BJP state President B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, clarified that the party, along with the JD(S) has not discussed or decided anything so far regarding moving a no-confidence motion against the government.
ALSO READ: CM Siddaramaiah labels Kumaraswamy 'Manuvadi' over Bhagavad Gita curriculum push
The winter session of the Karnataka legislature will begin in Belagavi, bordering Maharashtra, on December 8 and will go on till 19th of this month.
Not wanting to react to a question on the leadership issue, the CM said the Congress high command is very strong.
"D K Shivakumar and I will be committed to whatever the high command decides," he said.
Earlier in the day in Bengaluru, Shivakumar accompanied AICC Mallikarjun Kharge till airport from Vidhana Soudha, after paying tributes to B R Ambedkar on his 69th death anniversary, which had led to some speculation about possible discussion between the two on the leadership issue.
The power tussle within the ruling party had intensified amid speculation about a change in chief minister in the state, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.
However, both the CM and Deputy CM had recently held breakfast meetings at each others residences, on the instructions of the high command, which is seen as a move to pause the leadership tussle between the two and to signal Siddaramaiah's continuation as the CM for the time being, especially ahead of the Belagavi legislature session.
