“This is a historic moment for India, we hope to bring Oscar home,” say Siddharth Roy Kapur and Pan Nalin on ‘Chhello Show’ being shortlisted for Oscars – Exclusive! – Times of India

Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, producer Dheer Momaya and director Pan Nalin jointly said, “We are humbled and overjoyed that our heartfelt ode to the cinematic medium ‘Last Film Show (Chhello Show)’ has been recognized by the world’s preeminent awards body, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Ever since our selection by the Film Federation of India as India’s Official Entry to the 95th Oscars, we knew in our hearts that the film was bound for something special. We would like to thank the FFI, the millions of people who watched and admired Chhello Show, as well as our international distributors who gave the film a well-deserved push. This is a historic moment for India and we hope to bring the Oscar home very soon.”

Other films in the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category include ‘Argentina 1985’, ‘The Quiet Girl’, ‘The Blue Caftan’ amidst more. What’s interesting is that this is the first time that a film from Pakistan has been shortlisted for the Oscars. ‘Joyland’ is Pakistan’s entry in this category.

Meanwhile, ‘RRR’ has also been shortlisted in the Music (original song) category for ‘Naatu Naatu’.

The nomination voting for the Oscars will be held from January 12 to 17. The nomination list will be announced on January 24. The 95th Oscars will take place on March 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Now one does hope, that India gets an Oscar home and these films make us more proud. ‘Lagaan’ was the last Indian film to be nominated for the Oscar in 2001.