New Delhi: Suriya’s film Kanguva has made its way onto the contenders’ list for the 2025 Oscars. Tamil cinema fans are confused as to how a film with a 4.6 rating on IMDb has achieved this feat. Film critic Ramesh Bala clears the air around the list.
“It has nothing to do with the merit of the film,” said the critic and trade analyst. “Anyone can pay a few thousand dollars and fill in their application.”
According to Bala, Kanguva cannot be compared to Tamil films that have previously been nominated for the Oscars — Pebbles (2021), Visaranai (2015), Hey Ram, Jeans (1998), Indian, Kuruthipunal, Nayakan (1987), and Anjali (1990).
“Unlike Laapata Ladies, which was India’s official selection, Kanguva has paid a fee to make it to the list of ‘Best Picture’ contenders where it will be competing with some 200 other films,” he explained.
Kanguva got a lukewarm response from both critics and fans at the time of its release. It didn’t do well at the box office, with many criticising its loud soundtrack and the lack of screen time given to Disha Patani.
The audience hasn’t taken the Oscars news kindly. One X user said that after causing embarrassment on the domestic circuit, the film is headed for international embarrassment.
“One of the worst and the biggest disaster film Kanguva has joined the Oscar race,” another user posted.
“Clear reason why India isn’t getting any Oscars,” a tweet read.
Directed by Siruthai Siva, Kanguva marked Suriya’s big-screen comeback after a two-year hiatus.
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Indian films on the list
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently revealed the list of 323 feature films eligible for this year’s Oscars.
Of these, 207 films have met the eligibility criteria for the Best Picture category.
And, five Indian films have made it to the list, including Kanguva (Tamil), Aadujeevitham (Malayalam), Santosh (Hindi), Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (Hindi), All We Imagine as Light (Malayalam-Hindi) and Girls will be Girls (Hindi-English).
Voting for nominations will begin on 8 January and will end on 12 January.
The final nominations will be announced on 17 January.
“It is unlikely Kanguva will qualify,” Bala said.
The Oscars 2025 ceremony is scheduled for 2 March at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)