'Paheli' Is India's Official Entry For the Oscars

- Abid           Let us know what you think about this story

Reacting to the news director Amol Palekar expressed his happiness , " I really don’t know how to react to this. I am, of course, very happy to hear this." He recalled the prophetic words of numero uno lyricist Javed Akhtar , " I am reminded of Javed Akhtar's prophetic words at the film’s premiere. He told me, ‘Amol, this is the film which should get the Oscar for Indian cinema' ."

Film-maker Vinod Pande, who chaired the selection panel said " It was a unanimous decision and for the first time we have given a written recommendation as a citation for Paheli '" ,

Competing with 'Paheli' were some other good/excellent movies like 'Black' , 'Swades' , 'Page 3' , 'Veer-Zaara' , 'Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi' , 'Iqbal' , and regional language films like 'Achuvante Anna' (Malayalam), 'Uttarayan' (Marathi), 'Graham' (Telugu), and 'Kadal (Tamil)' .

Giving the reason for choosing 'Pahel' over the above mentioned movies Pande said , "We found the film steeped in Indian ethos and cinematic excellence. Also, the music, costumes, location and art designing collectively make the film truly reflective of India."

In the foreign language film category, additional documentation, including a synopsis of the film in English and cast and crew credits list, is due by October 3. Film prints must be received by the Academy no later than Friday, October 14.

Screenings of submitted films in the foreign language film category will begin on Friday, October 28, while the live-action and animated short film screenings will start in early November.

The 78th Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, January 31, 2006, at 5:30 a.m. PST, in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

More News ...