Indian Film “2018” Out of the Running for Best International Feature Film

New Delhi, December 22, 2023 – India’s official entry for the 96th Academy Awards, “2018: Everyone is a Hero,” has failed to make the Best International Feature Film category shortlist. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced the shortlist of 15 films on Friday, and “2018” was not among them.

A Major Disappointment for Indian Cinema

The exclusion of “2018” from the Oscars shortlist is a major disappointment for Indian cinema. The film, directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, was a critical and commercial success in India. It tells the story of the devastating Kerala floods of 2018 and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.

“2018” Movie Trailer

“2018” Movie Story

“2018” is a Malayalam-language film released in 2023. It’s a fictional story inspired by the very real and devastating Kerala floods of 2018. The film follows the lives of several characters in a small village as they grapple with the sudden onset of the floods and the immense challenges it brings.

“2018” Movie Cast

“2018” boasts a talented and diverse cast of actors, bringing the characters and their struggles to life with impressive performances. Here are some of the key players:

Lead Performers:

• Tovino Thomas: Plays Anoop, a former soldier grappling with personal demons while trying to help his community during the floods.
• Kunchacko Boban: Portrays Shaji Punnoos, the Home Secretary facing immense pressure to manage the crisis and coordinate rescue efforts.
• Asif Ali: Takes on the role of Nixon, a young man struggling to protect his family and navigate the chaotic situation.
• Vineeth Sreenivasan: Delivers a nuanced performance as Rameshan, a journalist caught amid the floods and seeking to document the unfolding events.

“2018” Movie OTT Release

The critically acclaimed Malayalam film “2018” is now available to stream on SonyLIV. Released on June 7, 2023.

A High-Grossing Film that Captivated Audiences

“2018” was the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, earning over ₹200 crore at the box office. Critics also praised it for its powerful storytelling and performances. The film’s failure to make the Oscars shortlist is a setback for Indian cinema, which has been gaining global recognition in recent years.

Other Notable Films That Missed the Shortlist

India’s official entry for the 95th Academy Awards, “Chhello Show” (Last Film Show), also failed to make the Best International Feature Film category shortlist. The last Indian film nominated for an Oscar in this category was “Lagaan” in 2001.

The Shortlisted Films

The 15 shortlisted films for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards are:

• “The Zone of Interest” (UK)
• “The Promised Land” (Denmark)
• “Perfect Days” (Japan)
• “Amerikatsi” (Armenia)
• “The Monk and the Gun” (Bhutan)
• “Fallen Leaves” (Finland)
• “The Taste of Things” (France)
• “The Teachers’ Lounge” (Germany)
• “Godland” (Iceland)
• “Io Capitano” (Italy)
• “Totem” (Mexico)
• “The Mother of All Lies” (Morocco)
• “Society of the Snow” (Spain)
• “Four Daughters” (Tunisia)
• “20 Days in Mariupol” (Ukraine)

The 96th Academy Awards will be held on March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles.