New Delhi: Filmmaker Pan Nalin’s part-autobiographical feature film, ‘Chhello Show (The Last Show)’ has been selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars. The Film Federation of India unanimously selected the film to be in contention for the 95th Academy Awards. The film is set in the western region of Gujarat and pays homage to yesteryear cinema.

FFI made the announcement on September 20. A total of 17 movies, including ‘RRR’, ‘Brahmastra: Part One-Shiva’,’ Rocketry — The Nambi Effect’, ‘Jhund’, ‘Badhaai Do’, and ‘Anek’, were reviewed for the official selection. ‘Chhello Show’ follows the transition from celluloid to digital films in India, where hundreds of single-screen cinemas stand dilapidated or have closed altogether. The film got its world premiere at Robert DeNiro’s Tribeca Film Festival in 2021.

Pan Nalin is known for his films like ‘Samsara’, ‘Valley of Flowers’, ‘Angry Indian Goddesses’ and ‘Ayurveda: Art of Being’. From facing a backlash for ‘Angry Indian Goddesses’ to getting recognised with ‘Chhello Show’, it has been a journey for Nalin.

When & where to watch?

The film will release in cinemas on October 14. Actually, the film was in contention for India’s official entry to the Oscars last year, but FFI eventually sent ‘Koozhangal (Pebbles)’ as ‘Chhello Show’ was not officially released last year.

Talking about the film’s selection, Nalin thanked FFI and said that he never imagined it to happen. He also told that when the film was getting appreciation around the globe, he was not able to figure out how to make India discover the film. He said, “Now I can breathe again and believe in cinema that entertains, inspires and enlightens.”

The 95th Academy Awards, which are, the Oscars ceremony is expected to take place in Los Angeles on 12 March 2023.