The Scotsman Tuesday, 26th September 2006
Film on youth awakening is India's Oscar entry
MUMBAI (Reuters) - A hit Bollywood movie about a group of young Indians and their struggle to break away from their modern-day consumerist existence has been chosen as India's entry for the 2007 Oscars, officials said on Tuesday.
"Rang De Basanti" (Colour Me Saffron), the year's first major hit and released in January, was picked from nine entries, beating films about marital tension, a comedy involving a loveable thug and India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi and a Bollywood version of Othello.
The film will have to compete with entries from around the world to make it to the final round of the competition in the best foreign film category.
"Rang De", starring Bollywood heartthrob Aamir Khan, uses a blend of narratives to tell the story of five self-absorbed youngsters who learn the importance of personal sacrifice to build an ideal society.
The blockbuster was Khan's second film to make it as India's entry to the Oscars after "Lagaan" (Land Tax), a period film which made it to the final round in 2002.
Rarely have Indian films reached the final round of the competition, let alone win the award. "Lagaan" lost out to Bosnia's "No Man's Land".
"We shall make every effort to ensure it is seen by as wide an audience as possible internationally too," said Ronnie Screwvala, CEO of UTV, the producers of "Rang De".
"Following the rousing reception the film received at the Golden Globes jury screening, we are confident it stands a strong chance with the Academy."
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Last updated: 26-Sep-06 08:01 BST