Indian cinema, with its vibrant storytelling, compelling characters, and cinematic splendour, has often won the hearts of audiences worldwide. From the melodious strains of ‘Naatu Naatu’ to poignant narratives like ‘The Elephant Whisperers’, our country’s films have showcased the richness of its culture and creativity. Yet, when it comes to the Academy Awards, Indian films frequently find themselves overlooked, their Oscar dreams slipping through the cracks.
The few that made the cut
Over the decades, only three Indian films have earned nominations in the Best International Feature Film category: Mehboob Khan’s ‘Mother India’ (1957), Mira Nair’s ‘Salaam Bombay!’ (1988), and Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘Lagaan’ (2001). These were milestones that brought the nation immense pride, but they also revealed a frustrating trend of near-misses. None of these nominees succeeded in bringing home the coveted statuette, losing out to global classics of their time.
And while SS Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’ and ‘The Elephant Whisperers’, produced by Guneet Monga, Achin Jain, recently won in non-narrative categories, such wins are exceptions rather than the norm. For a film industry that churns out more than 1,500 films annually, why has India’s presence at the Oscars been so sporadic?
Bollywood fixation
Critics and filmmakers alike have pointed to Bollywood’s dominance in India’s Oscar entries as one of the root causes. With its penchant for star-driven, larger-than-life musicals, Bollywood struggles to resonate with the Academy’s jury, which often gravitates towards nuanced storytelling and cultural depth. This fixation sidelines gems from regional cinemas, which are often more rooted in authentic Indian narratives and aesthetic experimentation.
Take Payal Kapadia’s ‘A Night of Knowing Nothing’, a Cannes-winning masterpiece. Despite international acclaim, it wasn’t even in the running for India’s official Oscar submission. Instead, mainstream choices like Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’, while entertaining, struggle to compete against global contenders, where subtlety, cultural resonance, and fresh cinematic language often take precedence.
Lack of strategic campaigning
The Oscars aren’t just about merit – they are also about marketing. Winning films require strategic campaigns that resonate with global audiences and Academy members. Countries like South Korea (‘Parasite’) and Argentina (‘The Official Story’) have understood this well, mounting aggressive Oscar campaigns to ensure their films stay in the spotlight.
India, on the other hand, has often faltered here. Without consistent lobbying efforts or a robust marketing strategy, many Indian submissions fail to make a lasting impression during the nomination process. Filmmakers like Hansal Mehta and Ricky Kej have voiced frustration at the system, urging for a more deliberate and inclusive approach to the selection process.
A misplaced focus
The obsession with catering to Western sensibilities has also played a role. The Film Federation of India (FFI) has often bypassed groundbreaking works in favour of safer, crowd-pleasing choices. But catering to what we think ‘the West wants’ has rarely yielded results. Films like ‘Parasite’, a South Korean black comedy thriller film directed by Bong Joon-ho, and ‘Roma’, a Mexican film directed by Alfonso Cuaron, succeeded not because they pandered, but because they remained deeply authentic to their own cultures while telling universally relatable stories.
Cultural shift needed
India’s path to Oscar glory will require a significant cultural shift. First, the selection process needs an overhaul to prioritise excellence over Bollywood biases. Second, India must recognise the importance of investing in global marketing campaigns for its entries. Above all, Indian filmmakers must continue to craft stories that are unapologetically authentic, deeply emotional, and universally appealing.
The Oscars may not define the success of Indian cinema, but the consistent near-misses remind us of the untapped potential of our stories. Until then, we can continue to take pride in the fact that India remains a cinematic powerhouse, even if the Academy is yet to truly recognise it.