Kollywood filmmakers are over the moon with the announcement of 'Koozhangal' being selected as India’s official entry for the 94th Academy Awards. The Tamil film directed by Vinothraj PS has been the talk-of-the-town topic for several months for its truthful, heartfelt story and screenplay. Bankrolled by Vignesh Shivan and Nayanthara under their banner Rowdy Pictures, the film stars newcomers in the lead roles and the music is scored by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Elated by the announcement, Vignesh Shivan took to his social media handles to share the news. He said, "There’s a chance to hear this! “And the Oscars goes to …. “Two steps away from a dream come true moment in our lives. Can’t be prouder, happier & content.” Vinothraj said he was grateful for all the love and support. "Could not be more happier to receive this news,” he tweeted. Several actors, celebrities and film critics congratulated the cast and crew and wished for their success at the Oscars.
There’s a chance to hear this!
“And the Oscars goes to …. 🎉🎉🥰🥰🥰🥰 “
Two steps away from a dream come true moment in our lives …. ❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰#Pebbles #Nayanthara @PsVinothraj @thisisysr @AmudhavanKar @Rowdy_Pictures
Can’t be prouder , happier & content 💝 pic.twitter.com/NKteru9CyI
— Vignesh Shivan (@VigneshShivN) October 23, 2021
'Koozhangal' had won the top honour, the Tiger Award for best film, at the 50th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), earlier this year. 'Koozhangal' was the first Tamil film to win the award. The movie was also screened in numerous other international film festivals including the Shanghai International Film Festival, Jeonju International Film Festival held in South Korea and Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA).
The film stars Chellapandi and Karuththadaiyaan in lead roles and talks about the story of an alcoholic abusive husband who, after his long-suffering wife runs off, sets out with his young son to find her and bring her back. “A poverty-stricken father and son wander a southern Indian landscape where anger and frustration burn hotter than the sun,” the YouTube description of the film’s plot reads.
A list of 14 films were reportedly shortlisted as India’s official entry to the 94th Academy Awards. The list included movies such as Malayalam film 'Nayattu', Tamil movie 'Mandela' and Hindi film 'Sardar Udham', among others. Director Vinothraj’s first feature is inspired by an incident from his own life: his sister was thrown out of her drunken husband’s house, and had to walk miles for shelter. The Madurai-based filmmaker reportedly had to drop out of school in fourth grade and worked in a textile factory till he turned 19, in order to overcome financial hurdles.
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