Why Did Andhadhun and Tumbbad Miss Out on Oscar Nomination?

Indian cinema has made significant strides globally, yet the Films like Andhadhun and Tumbbad have not even managed to secure a spot in the prestigious Oscar Awards. This situation has raised eyebrows and generated discussions around the efficacy of India's Film Industry and its representation in international arenas.

The Potential for Excellence

One of the reasons why Tumbbad could have been a game-changer for Indian cinema at the Oscars is its historical potential. Like Parasite did for South Korea, an Oscar nomination for Tumbbad would have elevated Indian cinema to the world stage, much like Parasite did for South Korea. However, this optimism was quickly shattered when it became apparent that Tumbbad did not receive an official nomination despite its merits.

To fully understand why Tumbbad and Andhadhun failed to make the cut, it is important to delve into the process of selection for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. This year, the Indian submissions for the award were decided by the members of the Indian Film Academy, who had a panel to select the films that would represent India at the Oscars.

Indian Submissions for the Oscars

The essence of participating in the Oscars is simple: you must be an official entry. If a film does not appear on the list of Indian submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, it effectively means it was not an official candidate. This means the film could not be nominated, let alone win any award.

It is a well-known fact that the Indian film industry engages in this long and often tedious process to ensure their films have the best chance at the Oscars. But in the case of Tumbbad, it seems as though the right submission was not made. The Indian Film Academy could have risked not sending a film to the Oscars at all, had they not found any suitable candidates on their list of potential nominees.

The Roles of Bridge Films

Another film, Village Rockstars, was mistakenly mentioned as the Indian submission for the Oscars. However, in a timely correction, it was clarified that Gully Boy was the official submission. This highlights the importance of accuracy and attention to detail in this process. Choosing the right film for international representation can be crucial, as a poorly chosen entry might result in a missed opportunity for Indian cinema.

Missed Opportunities and Disappointing Choices

It is equally disheartening to learn that films like Tumbbad and Andhadhun were not chosen. These films could have been potential nominees for the Academy Awards, yet they were skipped. This raises questions about the decision-making process of the Indian Film Academy and the criteria used to select the films.

One of the most surprising choices was the nomination of Gully Boy over the much acclaimed Gangs of Wasseypur. Gangs of Wasseypur holds a significant place in the hearts of many film enthusiasts, and its omission from the list of official submissions is puzzling. A film that was widely praised and even ranked highly by prestigious media outlets, such as The Guardian's Top 100 movies of the 21st century, deserved this recognition.

Conclusion

The failure of Indian films to secure Oscar nominations is a complex issue that involves various factors, including the quality of the films, the selection process, and the understanding of international film audiences. While the Indian film industry is growing and making waves globally, there is still much work to be done to ensure that the best films are represented in the international arena.

For Tumbbad and Andhadhun, their absence from the Oscars is a sad yet important reminder of the importance of strategic decisions in the film industry. However, it is also a call to action for the Indian Film Academy to do better next time and ensure that the best possible films get the deserved recognition on the global stage.