Film Federation of India (FFI) jury member Indraadip
Dasgupta recently commented on why Sardar Udham did not make it to the Oscars.
He said the film, based on the assassination of Michael O’Dwyer by
Sardar Udham Singh, projected ‘our hatred toward the British’, which he deemed
‘unfair’ in the ‘era of globalisation’.

Meanwhile, members of FFI reacted to Indraadip Dasgupta’s
comments.

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FFI jury member and Malayali filmmaker Shaji N Karun said
that choosing a film nomination for the Oscars is like strategizing to win an
Olympic match. The Malayali film Koozhangal was the best of the lot, it had
great cinematic content and has the strength, capability, and contestability to
win at the Oscars.

He further added that this is not a National Award
nomination and we have to pick a film that will stand out among nominations
coming from 92 countries.

He added, “How many Indian films have won an Oscar?
Zero.” There’s a reason behind that. We have to strategize and pick a film which can match the sensibilities of the jury at the Academy Awards.

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Bengali Actor Ananya Chatterjee said that this is not the
opinion of all of us.

Indraadip Dasgupta had said that the “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.”

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Other films in the rope for Oscars were Shershah (Hindi),
Sherni (Hindi), Bridge (Assamese), Kaagaz (Hindi), Atta Vel Zaali (Marathi),
Toofan (Hindi), Godavari (Marathi), Chello Show (Gujarati), Nayattu
(Malayalam), Laila Aur Saat Geet (Gojri), and Karkhanisanchi Waari (Marathi).

Sardar Udham director Shoojit Sircar had also reacted to
Indraadip’s comment. He said that it is a personal and a subjective opinion. He
respects the jury and their decision.