Bengali film Putul by Indira Dhar to compete for Best Picture at Oscars
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Putul, a film by Indira Dhar, has become the first Bengali movie to contend for the Best Picture category at the 97th Academy Awards.
This milestone underscores the global appeal of meaningful regional storytelling and marks a historic moment for Bengali cinema on the international stage.
Indira Dhar, who directed and produced the film, expressed her excitement at the recognition. “This milestone is not just a celebration of my work but a tribute to every dreamer who dares to believe,” she shared. Dhar extended her gratitude to the Academy of Motion Pictures and the Oscar committee for selecting Putul as one of 207 films worldwide in the Best Picture race.
She added, “As my debut feature film, this journey has been both challenging and rewarding. I’m immensely grateful to my team and supporters who believed in this project.”
The film explores the lives of street children in India, requiring the production team to overcome numerous challenges, including shooting in real-life street settings. Dhar recounted the struggles of working without substantial budgets or international producers, yet emphasised her gratitude for the eventual success of the project.
“Over the past five years, we faced numerous hurdles, but seeing Putul reach this stage is truly fulfilling. I hope India shines brightly at the 97th Academy Awards,” Dhar said.
Indira Dhar played multiple roles in the making of Putul as its writer, director, and producer. Her dedication and vision have been instrumental in bringing this story to life and gaining recognition on a global platform.
Before it's Oscar contention, Putul was screened at the prestigious Marché du Film during the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2024. This screening set the stage for its continued success and highlighted the film’s universal appeal.