Malayalam film ‘2018’ is India’s official entry for Oscars 2024; director Jude Anthany Joseph thanks Indian Cinema for the honour

He added, “We are constantly attacking Nature, and it too has its way of correcting mistakes made by humans. This film not only represents Kerala but presents the situation prevailing globally. Both content and treatment-wise, this film excels. Therefore, we have chosen it.”

Later, Girish Kasaravalli told South First that the 22 shortlisted films were evaluated on not just their plots but also what they looked to suggest.

“The floods shown in 2018 were a metaphor for man-made disasters. On the one hand, it showed how our wrong notion of development had led to floods happening. On the other hand, the film showed how it was individuals and not governments who came to the aid of other individuals. While the government did try to do its bit, it was the common man who eventually lent a helping hand and rose to the occasion,” he added.

The 96th Oscars will be held on 10 March 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Related: 2018 recreates the horrific floods and reminds us of the resilience of Keralites

Other films shortlisted

The 22 films that were shortlisted for India’s official entry for Oscars 2024 include the Telugu films Balagam (2023), Dasara (2023), Sir (2023) and Virupaksha (2023), the Hindi films Gadar 2 (2023) and Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway (2023), the Tamil films Viduthalai Part I (2023), Maamannan (2023), August 16 1947 (2023) and Vaathi (2023).

The 16-member jury watched all the films in seven days.

“We started watching the films on 20 September and finished the list by 26 September. We had extensive discussions and 2018 was our collective choice,” Girish Kasaravalli added.

Film crew reacts

2018 director Jude Anthany Joseph was elated with the jury’s decision. In his Facebook post, he wrote: “Thank you God, Thank you Indian Cinema”.

“I am really thankful to the people of Kerala, and this is a tribute to the people of Kerala. I am really honoured and feel happy,” he told the media.

Producer Venu Kunnappilly wrote: “Oscars dream rolling.”

Actor Asif Ali, who played an important role in 2018 wrote: “Blessed”.

Actor Lal, while addressing the media, recalled that shooting for the film was difficult. He also shared that he was happy with the Oscar nomination.

Actor Tovino Thomas, who bagged the Best Asian Actor at Septimus Awards 2023 for his spellbinding performance in 2018, went live on Instagram after the news about the selection of 2018 for the Oscars reached him.

“We didn’t make the film to make people scared about the deadly floods. But we wanted to show the feeling of oneness Keralites showed during the floods,” he said.

He said the movie was made by Jude Anthany with utmost technical quality and congratulated his team. He added that such recognition (Oscar entry) would only make him feel more responsible towards his work.

During the live chat, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh congratulated Tovino Thomas and the crew of 2018. Ranveer also expressed his wish to work with Tovino in future.

 

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Kunchako Boban, who did a key role said 2018 was a special movie as people have an emotional connection. “The technical aspects were good and this recognition is a very proud moment.”

“Jude Anthany Joseph was instrumental during the shooting and producer Venu Kunnappilly did whatever was needed for the production. It’s a team effort and Malayalam audiences have to be thanked for this recognition,” he told the media.

Actor Indrans, in an interview with a news channel, said it was a proud moment for him to be part of a successful film like 2018: Everyone is a Hero.

Also Read: Tovino Thomas bags Best Asian Actor at Septimius Awards 2023