Mumbai: The Malayalam film ‘2018-Everyone is a Hero’ has been selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars at Academy Awards 2024. This poignant movie delves into the heart-wrenching story of the devastating flood that ravaged Kerala in 2018.
According to the, Film Federation of India, Jude Anthany Joseph directed on Wednesday, the film is about the floods that wreaked havoc in the southern Indian state of Kerala in 2018. It follows the story of people from all walks of life who strive to survive the calamity.
Girish Kasaravalli, the chairman of the selection committee and a renowned filmmaker, revealed that the 16-member committee came to a unanimous decision in favor of this Malayalam film. It was not an easy choice, given the high quality of films in the running. The committee dedicated a week to watch 22 films, making it a challenging but essential process.
The film "2018-Everyone is a Hero" represents India and the theme of the film is calamity humans face: Film Federation of India
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 27, 2023
Kasaravalli said that ‘2018-Everyone is a Hero’ goes beyond representing India; it also sheds light on the global issue of natural disasters. The film’s narrative transcends borders and speaks to the universal human experience. Moreover, it stands out for its exceptional cinematic craftsmanship, making it a compelling choice on multiple fronts.
The film features Tovino Thomas in the lead role, and he expressed his immense joy at the film’s selection to represent India on the international stage. It’s not just a recognition of the film’s artistic merits but also a significant moment for Indian cinema as it continues to make its mark on the global stage. This achievement underscores the impact of storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide, transcending language and culture.
In Kerala, ‘2018’ achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film in history, surpassing the record set by the blockbuster ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion,’ as reported by Manorama.
Meanwhile, at the 95th Academy Awards, the catchy song “Naatu Naatu” from SS Rajamouli’s film ‘RRR’ secured the prestigious accolade for Best Original Song. Additionally, the Indian documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ was honored with an Oscar in the category of Best Documentary Short Subject.