India’s official Oscar entry 2018: Everyone Is A Hero is a reflection of the resilience and indomitable spirit of the people of Kerala in the face of one of the most devastating natural disasters, actor Tovino Thomas, who plays the lead role in the Malayalam film, said on Wednesday.
“Through the film, we aim to remind everyone that amidst the chaos and destruction, there is always a glimmer of hope, and it’s the human spirit that shines the brightest,” he said in a statement soon after the official Oscar nomination of the film was announced.
“2018 is a reflection of the resilience and indomitable spirit of the people of Kerala in the face of one of the most devastating natural disasters of our time,” he added.
Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, 2018: Everyone Is A Hero is set to compete in the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 96th Academy Awards.
“Being chosen as India’s official entry for the Oscars is truly an incredible recognition for our film. It’s not just a moment of pride for me as an actor, but for the entire team that poured their heart and soul into this project,” said Tovino.
Released in May this year, 2018: Everyone Is A Hero emerged as the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time with a worldwide collection of over Rs 200 crore. The movie explores the gripping narrative of survival during the devastating floods that affected Kerala in 2018.
The star-studded cast of the film includes Tovino Thomas, Kunchako Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali, Kalaiyarasan, Indrans, Sudheesh, Gilu Joseph, Vinitha Koshy, Aju Varghese, Thanvi Ram and Gauthami Nair.
Only a handful of Indian films have made it to the final five nominees in the Best International Feature Film category till date. These include Aamir Khan's Lagaan (2001), Nargis-starrer Mother India (1957) and Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay! (1988).
Last year, India's official Oscar entry was Gujarati-language film Chhello Show, which could not secure a spot among the final nominees. Nevertheless, Indian cinema made a notable mark at the 95th Academy Awards with the song Naatu Naatu from S.S. Rajamouli’s RRR winning Best Original Song and The Elephant Whisperers receiving the Best Documentary Short Subject award. Shaunak Sen's All That Breathes was also nominated for Best Documentary Feature.
