Nayattu, Mandela, Sherni and Sardar Udham among films competing for India’s Oscar entry spot this year

Despite theatres being shut for most of the past two years, Indian cinema has not been short of good content. The selection process for India’s Oscar entry to the 94th Academy Awards next year began in Kolkata on Monday.

The jury of Film Federation of India, headed by Malayalam director and acclaimed cinematographer Shaji N Karun, will be watching 14 films and selecting India's entry into the Best Foreign Film category.

Malayalam cinema has much to cheer about, after all it was a year when the content from the industy was widely celebrated. Among the frontrunners for this year’s Oscar entry is director Martin Prakkat’s Nayattu, which has Kunchacko Boban, Nimisha Sajayan and Joju George in the lead.

The film, scripted by Shahi Kabeer, revolves around a team of cops who are forced to be on the run after an accidental death of a dalit political party member ahead of the elections. The movie is based on true incidents.

Yogi Babu’s Mandela is another South film vying with the 13 other movies that also include Vidya Balan’s Sherni and Vicky Kaushal’s Sardar Uddham, for the lone spot. Gujarati coming-of-age film Chello Show is also in the race.

Last year, Jallikattu, another Malayalam film directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, was picked to represent the country at the Oscars. The film, however, didn’t make the final shortlist of nominees. Incidentally, this year’s National Award for Best Film was also clinched by another Malayalam film – Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham that has Mohanlal playing the lead role of Kunjali Marakkar IV.

Next year’s Oscars will be held on March 27, and the jury is expected to select their pick in the coming days.

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