Mohanlal’s ‘Guru’ to Tovino Thomas’ ‘2018,’ Malayalam movies submitted from India for the Academy Awards

The 96th edition of Oscars will be held on March 10, 2024, and Tovino Thomas starrer Malayalam film ‘2018’ has been selected as India’s official entry. The Malayalam movie industry is expecting to come with flying colours this year, especially since the film is a survival thriller, and has the potential to connect with the audience, transcending language and other barriers. Interestingly, ‘2018’ also became the fourth film from Malayalam to be selected as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. Every year, filmmakers and artists from around the globe eagerly anticipate the announcement of films that have been nominated for this coveted honor. Now that once again Malayalam cinema is being highlighted for the coveted award, let’s take a look back at the other productions from M-Town that competed for the Best International Feature Film.

(Pic courtesy: Facebook)

The Malayalam film industry's tryst with the Oscars began with Rajiv Anchal's directorial ‘Guru.’ A fantasy thriller, the 1997 release revolves around a temple painter who miraculously gains the ability to predict the future. ‘Guru’ was India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 70th Academy Awards. While it did not make it to the final nominations, its selection marked a significant milestone for Malayalam cinema on the global stage.

(Pic courtesy: Mohanlal's official website)

National award winning film ‘Adaminte Makan Abu’ was nominated as India's official entry for the 84th edition of the Academy Awards. Directed by Salim Ahamed, the film tells the poignant story of an elderly Muslim couple's quest to fulfill their dream of going on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Though the film highlighted the universal themes and emotional depth, it didn’t make it to the final race, but then again, the industry did gain a global attention.

(Pic courtesy: Facebook)

Lijo Jose Pellissery's directorial ‘Jallikattu’was a game-changer for Malayalam cinema on the international stage. Released in 2019, Pellissery’s masterpiece was India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 93rd Academy Awards. ‘Jallikattu’ told the story of the chaos that ensues in a village when a buffalo escapes from a slaughterhouse and runs amok. The film questions the very thin that separates human from animal. ‘Jallikattu’ did grab eyeballs, however didn’t win the Best International Feature Film.

(Pic courtesy: Facebook)

All eyes are on ‘2018: Everyone is a Hero’ as the film starring actor Tovino Thomas has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2024 Academy Awards. Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, the film revolves around the devastating 2018 Kerala floods that left a trail of destruction and loss across the state. High hopes are pinned on the survival drama, as the film carries an emotion that resonates with people across the globe. The universal theme of the film, coupled with solid making is expected to impress the jury and win the coveted award.

(Pic courtesy: Facebook)