Filmmaker Hansal Mehta on Twitter amplified a post explaining how the 301 films which are eligible for the Oscars are not the same as the shortlisted nominations. He seemingly took a sly dig at The Kashmir Files director Vivek Agnihotri who was spotted celebrating after his film made it to the list of eligible films. The final nominations for Oscars will be announced on January 24. (Also read: The Kashmir Files, RRR, Gangubai, Kantara eligible for Oscar nominations, Vivek Agnihotri breaks into a celebration)
Hansal re-tweeted a post which read, “Let me make this clear – that filmmaker who is claiming his divisive film has been “shortlisted” for the Oscars is LYING. His film has only qualified for the Oscars. Any film can qualify if it has a limited run in LA.” The post is shared by New York-based columnist-writer, Aseem Chhabra.
Reacting to it, Hansal wrote sarcastically in a tweet, “You are a genocide denying anti-national.” His words seem to be aiming towards Vivek, who is often see calling people who criticised The Kashmir Files, as ‘anti-national.’
Earlier in the day, Vivek expressed happiness as his film is now eligible for Oscars. He wished all films the best and called it a “great year for Indian cinema”. He tweeted, “#PallaviJoshi #MithunChakraborty @DarshanKumaar @AnupamPKher are all shortlisted for best actor categories. It’s just the beginning. A long long road ahead. Please bless them all.”
Speaking to news agency ANI, Anupam Kher starred in The Kashmir Files, said, “The Kashmir Files being shortlisted at the Oscars is an achievement in itself, it’s too early to celebrate. This tragedy was kept hidden for 32 years and after 32 years when this film was released, the world welcomed it but also there were a lot of people who commented a lot about it. Not only the film is shortlisted but I am also shortlisted for the Best Actor award. It’s a humbling and amazing feeling. Four more films are shortlisted from India. I wish them all the best and congratulations.”
Other films from India, RRR, Alia Bhatt-starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi, Rishab Shetty’s Kannada film Kantara and India’s official Oscar entry Chhello Show (Last Film Show), have also been named in the list of eligible films. Marathi films Me Vasantrao and Tujhya Sathi Kahi Hi, R Madhavan’s Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, Iravin Nizhal and Kannada movie Vikrant Rona are also on the list. Documentaries All That Breathes by Shaunak Sen and Kartiki Gonsalves’ The Elephant Whisperers have been named as well. The list was released by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) on Tuesday.
