Vicky Kaushal’s latest release Sardar Udham was shortlisted as India's official entry for the 94th Academy Awards. However, it didn’t make the cut. And Tamil drama Koozhangal (Pebbles), directed by filmmaker Vinothraj PS, was announced as India's official entry. Jury members then explained why one of the most popular contenders - Sardar Udham - was not selected. Talking about it, one of them said that the film ‘portrays our hatred towards the British’.
The movie is based on the life of revolutionary Sardar Udham Singh - played by Vicky Kaushal - a gallant and patriotic man who fought selflessly and courageously against the British subjugation of India. The film’s plot focusses on the assassination of Michael O’Dwyer, the lieutenant governor of Punjab at the time of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.
While the fans of the movie didn't concur with the thought process and were surprised, Sardar Udham director Shoojit Sircar said he respects the decision of the jury. In an interview with the Quint, he said the decision was a personal opinion.
“It is a personal opinion, it is very subjective, I have no comment on that. I respect the jury and their decision. The film that was finally selected, I know about it, and I am glad that it was chosen. I go by the jury’s decision," Shoojit told The Quint.
Jury member Indradip Dasgupta, in an interaction with The Times Of India, had elaborated why they didn't choose Vicky Kaushal's Sardar Udham for India's official entry to the Oscars. He asserted, “Sardar Udham is a little lengthy and harps on the Jallianwala Bagh incident.”
The jury member's statements had attracted strong outrage from the netizens.
Image Source: Instagram/shoojitsircar