In a significant announcement, the Film Federation of India has chosen the Malayalam Film “2018: Everyone Is A Hero” Chosen as India’s Official Entry for the 2024 Oscars. The film, directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, portrays the resilience and indomitable spirit of the people of Kerala in the face of the devastating floods that struck in 2018.
Starring acclaimed actor Tovino Thomas, “2018: Everyone Is A Hero” narrates a compelling story of a young man who leaves the Indian Army under difficult circumstances and later redeems himself during the catastrophic floods. The ensemble cast also includes Kunchako Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Narain, Lal, Aparna Balamurali, and more.
The movie has not only received critical acclaim but has also become the highest-grossing Malayalam film to date, earning over Rs 200 crore during its theatrical run. The film’s success underscores its resonance with the audience, both in India and globally.
Film Federation of India’s selection committee, chaired by renowned Kannada film director Girish Kasaravalli, emphasized the film’s theme of the effects of climate change as a key factor in its selection. This marks a departure from recent years when India’s official entries have struggled to make it to the final nominations at the Oscars.
India has had a history of submissions to the Oscars, including recent entries like “Chhello Show,” “Koozhangal,” “Jallikattu,” and “Gully Boy.” However, only a handful of Indian films have been nominated for an Oscar, including the iconic “Mother India,” “Salaam Bombay,” and “Lagaan.”
The 96th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, and will be broadcast live on ABC from Los Angeles’s Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. This year’s Oscars hold special significance for India, as they follow a historic win at the 2023 Oscars, where India took home awards for Best Original Song (“Naatu Naatu” from RRR) and Best Documentary Short Subject (“The Elephant Whisperers”).
Tovino Thomas, lead actor in “2018: Everyone Is A Hero,” expressed his gratitude for the nomination, stating, “Being chosen as India’s official entry for the Oscars is truly an incredible recognition for our film. It’s not just a moment of pride for me as an actor, but for the entire team that poured their heart and soul into this project.”
As India anticipates the 2024 Oscars, the spotlight is firmly on “2018: Everyone Is A Hero” and the hope it brings, reminding the world of the strength of the human spirit even in the face of the gravest adversities.