Actor Vicky Kaushal, who played the title role in the recently released ‘Sardar Udham’, has reacted to the film not being sent as India’s official entry for the Oscars. He said that that ‘we have to respect that selection’ and it’s time to root the official selection, which is Tamil film ‘Koozhangal’.

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“Everybody has the right to their opinion. We have a jury (comprising) experts in cinema. They made a selection, and we have to respect that selection. I haven’t seen the Tamil film, but Shoojitda (Sircar) has seen it and is gung-ho about it.

“I am sure it’s the best decision taken for Indian cinema to be on a global platform. We should now root for the film that is selected, and hope that it brings us glory,” he told Mid Day.

Tamil drama ‘Koozhangal’ (‘Pebbles’), directed by filmmaker Vinothraj PS, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 94th Academy Awards.

The movie follows an alcoholic abusive husband who, after his long-suffering wife runs off, sets out with his young son to find her and bring her back.

It stars newcomers Chellapandi and Karuththadaiyaan.

Vicky said that although he hasn’t watched the film, he is sure that it’s the best decision taken for Indian cinema to be represented on a global podium.

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Earlier in an interview, Indraadip Dasgupta, a member of the jury that took the decision for this year’s official entry for Oscars, had called ‘Sardar Udham’ lengthy adding that it projected ‘our hatred towards the British’.

“Sardar Udham is a little lengthy and harps on the Jallianwala Bagh incident. It is an honest effort to make a lavish film on an unsung hero of the Indian freedom struggle. But in the process, it again projects our hatred towards the British. In this era of globalization, it is not fair to hold on to this hatred,” he was quoted as saying.