2024-12-18 10:07:48 :
Composer Ricky Kej says India must move beyond ‘mainstream Bollywood’
December 18, 2024: Kiran Rao’s Ms. LapataOfficial entry into India Best International Feature Film The Best Picture award at the 97th Academy Awards failed to make the shortlist for the 2025 Academy Awards. The development prompted sharp criticism from filmmakers Hansal Mehta and Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kaywho called out Film Federation of India (FFI) for its repeated failure to select films that resonate with global audiences.
Hansal Mehta’s sarcastic remarks
Hansal Mehta shared the Oscar shortlist on X (formerly Twitter), pointing out FFI’s poor record. He wrote sarcastically, “The Film Federation of India has done it again! Their hit rate and film selection are impeccable year after year.”
Several users on X echoed Hansal’s sentiments. One user commented, “Rapata Indian Cinema!” Another mentioned Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning work Everything we imagine is lightsaying it would be a strong contender for the Oscars: “AWIAL will always be a what-if.”
Also read: Ms. Lapata withdraws from 2025 Oscar race: These films secure top international feature slot
One user also recalled the 1995 Academy Awards debacle, when Shekhar Kapoor’s Bandit Queen Tamil film bypassed by FFI due to censorship delays kurutipnar But to be chosen.
Ricky Kej criticizes FFI selection
Composer Ricky Kej also joined the conversation and posted Ms. Lapata poster and a long note. He wrote, “#LaapataaLadies was a well-made, entertaining film (which I enjoyed) but it was definitely the wrong choice to represent India in the #InternationalFeatureFilm category. Sure enough, lost.”
Kej emphasized the need for a broader perspective: “When will we realize that we have been choosing the wrong films year after year? India makes excellent films that deserve awards but we are stuck in the ‘mainstream Bollywood bubble’. We need to recognize uncompromising art films , regardless of budget, stardom or size.”
Also read: Aamir Khan on Ms. Rapata’s Oscar dreams: ‘India will be furious if we win’
He concluded by criticizing the film’s presentation to international audiences: “The majority of Academy voting members probably just looked at the poster and dismissed Ms. La Pata.”
Also Read: Chaos and Glamor: ‘Ms. La Pata’ Delivers Delightful Drama
Ms. Lapata and the Oscars 2025
Directed by Kiran Rao, Ms. Lapata is a satirical drama set in rural India. Despite being selected as India’s official entry in September, it failed to make the shortlist 15 movies announced Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) Tuesday.
In contrast, Anglo-Indian film-makers Sandhya Suri’s Santoshstarring an Indian actor Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajewalrepresenting Britain on the Oscar shortlist. The list also includes:
- emilia perez (France)
- I’m still here (Brazil)
- common language (Canada)
- girl holding needle (Denmark)
- Sacred Fig Seeds (Germany).
Missed the opportunity?
India’s choice Ms. Lapata It sparked controversy from the start. Compete with movies like Bollywood blockbusters animalMalayalam National Award Winners atamand Payal Kapadia’s critically acclaimed Everything we imagine is lightMany believe the latter will be a stronger contender on the global stage.
The final nomination is 97th Academy Awards will be January 17, 2025the Oscars will be held in March.
Label:
Hansal Mehta FFI Criticism, Ms. Laapataa Oscars Exit, Ricky Kej on Bollywood Movies, Indian Film Oscars 2025, Ms. Kiran Rao Laapataa, Payal Kapadia Everything We Imagined, Indian Film Oscars Debate, Santosh UK Oscar Nominations, Indian Films Federation Decision, 2025 Oscar for Best International Feature Film,
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