Not 'The Kashmir Files' or 'RRR', Pan Nalin's Gujarati film 'Chhello Show' is India's official entry for Oscars 2023

Gujarati film 'Chhello Show' has been named as India's official Oscars entry. The film is called 'The Last Film Show' in English.

On Tuesday, the Film Federation of India made the announcement.

Released in 2021, the coming-of-age drama is directed by Pan Nalin. It stars Bhavin Rabari, Bhavesh Shrimali, Richa Meena, Dipen Raval and Paresh Mehta in lead roles.

The film revolves around nine-year-old Samay from Chalala, a village in Saurashtra in Gujarat, who enters a cinema hall projection booth by bribing a cinema projector technician, and watches several films through summer.

Director Pan Nalin says,”I could have never imagined such a day would come and bring light and celebration of light. Chhello Show has been enjoying love from around the world but there was an ache in my heart that how do I make India discover it? Now I can breathe again and believe in cinema that entertains, inspires and enlightens! Thank you FFI, Thank you Jury. “

Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur says, “We are thrilled and honoured that our film, Last Film Show has been selected to represent India at the Academy Awards. There could not be a more apt time for a film like this one, 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. It is a matter of great pride for us to represent our country with this film, and with the backing of our partners Samuel Goldwyn Films and Orange Studio, we will make sure that we give it our best shot at the Academy Awards!”

Producer Dheer Momaya said,” We are very excited, this is just a first step. We aim to get a nomination and eventually win. Hoping we can make our country proud!”

'Chhello Show' is semi-autobiographical as director Nalin was born and brought up in Adtala village in Saurashtra. According to media reports, six village boys from local communities of the region were cast in the film.

It may be mentioned that SS Rajamouli's 'RRR', Vivek Agnihotri's 'The Kashmir Files' and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' were being speculated to be India’s entry for the category at Oscars.