Gujarati film Chhello Show becomes India's official entry to Oscars
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New Delhi: Gujarati film Chhello Show has been declared India's official entry for Oscars 2023. Director Pan Nalin tweeted the news and wrote that he believes in cinema that entertains, inspires, and enlightens.
He wrote: "OMG! What a night this is going to be! Gratitude to the Film Federation of India and thank you FFI jury members. Thank you for believing in Chhello Show. Now I can breathe again and believe in cinema that entertains, inspires, and enlightens."
The coming-of-age story of a young boy revolves around themes of childhood innocence. The plot is set around the time when India witnessed the transition from celluloid to digital. Hundreds of single-screen cinemas disappeared due to the drastic change.
Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur said that there could not be a more apt time for a film like Chhello Show. He described it to be a movie that celebrates the magic and wonder of cinema and the theatrical experience. "When cinema-going around the world has been disrupted by a pandemic, it reminds audiences anew of the first time they fell in love with the experience of watching a movie in a darkened cinema hall," he added.
The semi-autobiographical drama was chosen by a jury headed by seasoned Kannada director T.S. Nagabharana. FFI Secretary General Suparn Sen made the announcement.
Chhello Show (translates to 'Last Film Show') stars Bhavin Rabari, Bhavesh Shrimali, Richa Meena, Dipen Raval, and Paresh Mehta in the main roles. The film had its world premiere as the opening film at the Tribeca Film Festival. Since then, it has won multiple awards in various international film festivals.