Nikhil Chinapa Asks About The Status Of Kashmir Files Status At Oscars

Nikhil Chinapa inquired of filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri about the status of his film The Kashmir Files at the upcoming Oscars after the filmmaker released a poster for the film titled 'Official Contender From India'. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) released the complete list of 301 films nominated for the Oscars this year. Several Indian films have made the cut. But, four Indian films have been shortlisted and are in contention in their respective categories. They are RRR, Last Film Show (Chhello Show), All That Breathes, and The Elephant Whisperers.

Nikhil, a former VJ, took to Twitter to ask Vivek,

What is an official “contender”? https://t.co/ahEmrcfGX2

— Nikhil Chinapa (@nikhilchinapa) January 12, 2023

after seeing The Kashmir Files poster with the Oscars logo. Vivek had previously stated on Tuesday,

Thanks for your love, support and blessings. This is the year of Indian Cinema. #Oscars2023 pic.twitter.com/eKbcIfQt4L

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) January 12, 2023

Additionally, the billboard claimed that the film was an 'Official Contender From India'. Others also raised questions about Vivek celebrating the mere eligibility list. “In the difference between 'official contender' and 'official entry' lies all the truth,” wrote a person. "Why have you put "contender" line in fine print, and Oscars in large? So that people don't realize it didn't make it to the shortlist," asked another. “Contenders may be many, is this an achievement?” On its official website, the rules for Oscar eligibility are listed. To be considered, feature films must open in a commercial motion picture theatre in at least one of six US metropolitan areas. It should be between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. The areas are Los Angeles County; the City of New York; the Bay Area; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia. It should also complete a minimum qualifying run of seven consecutive days in the same venue. Feature films must be longer than 40 minutes in length. Aside from the Kashmir Files, Indian films that have met these basic eligibility requirements include RRR and Kantara. Gangubai Kathiawadi, Me Vasantrao, and Tuzhya Sathi Kahi also met the requirements. Hello, Iravin Nizhal and Vikrant Rona of Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. India has submitted the Last Film Show as its official entry in the Best International Feature Film category.