Tamil drama Koozhangal, India’s official entry for the Academy Awards’ international feature film category in 2022, has been officially eliminated. The shortlists were announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday. Writing With Fire, another Indian contender, made it to the shortlist for best documentary feature. 

Koozhangal (Pebbles), directed by Vinothraj PS for the first time, tells the story of an alcoholic abusive husband who goes out with his small boy to find and bring back his long-suffering wife. Chellapandi and Karuththadaiyaan star in the film, which is produced by Vignesh Shivan and Nayanthara.

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Vignesh had tweeted in October after Koozhangal was picked as India’s official entry, “There’s a chance to hear this! And the Oscars goes to… Two steps away from a dream come true moment in our lives… #Pebbles #Nayanthara @PsVinothraj @thisisysr @AmudhavanKar @Rowdy_Pictures Can’t be prouder, happier and content.” Vinothraj had replied, “Could not be more happier to receive this news.”

Meanwhile, Writing With Fire – following the emergence of Khabar Lahariya, India’s only Dalit women-run newspaper – landed a spot. Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh helmed the film’s direction. It tells the narrative of a group of ambitious Dalit women led by Meera, their chief reporter, as they transition from print to digital to stay relevant. 

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There are currently 15 films competing for the award in the international feature film category. In this category, films from 92 different nations were eligible. Iran’s A Hero, Drive My Car from Japan, Flee from Denmark, and The Hand of God from Italy are among the films in this category.

The list also includes Great Freedom (Austria), Playground (Belgium), I’m Your Man (Germany), Hive (Kosovo), Prayers for the Stolen (Mexico), The Worst Person in the World (Norway), Plaza Catedral (Panama), Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (Bhutan), Compartment No 6 (Finland), Lamb (Iceland), and The Good Boss (Spain). 

In the documentary feature category of the 94th Academy Awards, fifteen films have advanced. A total of 138 films were eligible in this category. 

Ascension, Attica, Billie Eilish: The World Is a Little Blurry, Faya Dayi, The First Wave, Flee, In the Same Breath, Julia, President, Procession, The Rescue, Simple as Water, Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) and The Velvet Underground are among the other titles on the list.