The Academy Awards is one of the prominent platforms that provides significant recognition to cinematic works. To date, only three movies from the Indian film industry have been nominated for the Oscar. Indian films are nominated under the category of ‘Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film’, recognizing their impact on audiences. The list of Bollywood movies nominated for the Oscars includes:
1.MOTHER INDIA (1957)
Firstly, Mother India was the first film to be nominated under the category of Best International Feature Film. This iconic 1957 film, directed by Mehboob Khan and starring Nargis, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar, and Raaj Kumar, paved the way for Indian cinema to reach a global audience. The story revolves around a woman named Radha, considered the “mother” of the whole village. In MOTHER INDIA, the character Radha faces immense challenges. Firstly, she struggles to raise her two sons… and secondly, deal with a malicious moneylender amidst mounting troubles. Initially, it showcased the struggles of India and its women, making Nargis’s character a role model for women across the country. Notably, MOTHER INDIA resonated with audiences due to its powerful portrayal of resilience and sacrifice.
2. SALAAM BOMBAY (1988)
Moving on the second film, Mira Nair’s 1988 Indian drama film became the second Indian movie nominated for an Oscar. Drawing inspiration from the lives of children living in the slums of Mumbai, Salaam Bombay! starred Shafiq Syed, Raghuvir Yadav, Anita Kanwar, Nana Patekar, Hansa Vithal, and Chanda Sharma in lead roles. The film served as an eye-opener, shedding light on the difficulties faced by these children. The story revolves around a young boy named Krishna, who struggles to earn money to pay for the damage caused to his elder brother’s motorbike. His failure to earn enough leads him to board a train to Bombay, eventually exposing him to the notorious red-light area in Falkland Road. Later, SALAAM BOMBAY sheds light on the difficulties faced by children living in Mumbai’s slums.
3. LAGAAN (2001)
Now let’s discuss the third movie, the 2001 Hindi-language sports drama film, Lagaan, written and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, became the third Indian movie nominated for an Oscar. Set in the late Victorian era under British rule, the film features Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, and Paul Blackthorne. It is produced by Aamir Khan and set in the village of Champaner. The story revolves around the villagers’ struggle to exempt themselves from paying taxes due to drought conditions. When challenged by the British, they agree to play a cricket game. If they win, their taxes for the past three years will be canceled. Bhuvan, a young man inspired by the game, motivates other villagers to participate and aim for victory. Furthermore, Lagaan portrayed the villager’s determination.
In summary, these three Indian films have left an indelible mark on the global cinematic landscape.
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