Malayalam film ‘2018: Everyone Is a Hero’, directed by Jude Anthany Joseph and starring Tovin Thomas, is India’s official entry for the 2024 Academy Awards in the Best International Film category announced by a panel headed by Kannada film director Girish Kasarvalli. Film Federation of India president TP Aggarwal confirmed this to ETimes.
Image source: www.airtelxstream.in
The film, “2028: Everybody is a Hero” depicts the climate disaster that took place in Kerala in 2018, which was the reason for the devastation. The 2018 film beautifully captures the resilience and courage of individuals facing disaster. It skillfully and compassionately depicts not only harrowing floods, but also emphasizes the unwavering strength of humanity in challenging times. It engages audiences by addressing a universal problem that transcends national and regional boundaries. This movie shows the hardships faced by people during that disastrous flood and also includes the deep and effective background of the disaster. According to sources, the ‘2018’ film has been selected keeping in mind the theme based on a global issue, with the support of a national appearance.
Malayalam film star ‘Tovino Thomas’ played a prominent role in “2018: Everyone Is a Hero” of a young man who is an ex-serviceman, quits the army with a fake medical certificate and later redeems himself during a flood. Along with them, the film casts Asif Ali (Indian actor and producer), Narain Kunchack Boban (Indian actor and film producer, also referred as Chackochan) and Aparna Balamurali (Indian actress) in prominent roles. Under the auspices of Kavya Film Company and PK Prime Productions, Venu Kunnappilly, C.K. Padma Kumar and Anto Joseph provided financial support for the film. “2018” turned out to be a huge box office success and audiences and critics loved the show. The film’s selection as India’s official entry for the 96th Academy Awards is a testament to its powerful storytelling and compelling portrayal of an international theme.
Tovino Thomas ecstatically expressed his joy and sense of achievement when his film ‘2018’ was selected as India’s official entry for the 2024 Academy Awards. In an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, he discussed the deep meaning of the film for Malayalis and the Kerala community.
Sunday, March 10, 2024 will mark the 96th Academy Awards, broadcast live by ABC in more than 200 countries from Los Angeles’ Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood. The deadline for entries in the general categories for the 2024 Academy Awards is 14 November 2023. India has had a history of notable attempts at previous Oscars through Chhello Show (2022), Koozhangal (2021), Jallikattu (2020), Gully Boy (2019), Village Rockstars (2018), Newton (2017) and Visaranani (2016) but unfortunately failed to get shortlisted for the Oscars. The only films to receive Oscar nominations were Mother India, Salaam Bombay and Lagaan. At Oscars 2023, India set its legacy in the film industry by winning two Academy Awards, one for ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ directed by Kartiki Gonsalves as Best Documentary (Short Film) and the other for the song Naatu Naatu from the film. “RRR” as Best Music (Original Song). This song was performed during the 2023 Academy Awards.
