Veer Savarkar can be independent submission, not official Oscar entry: FFI President

A day after Laapataa Ladies was announced as India’s official entry to the 97th Academy Awards, the makers of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar posted a message claiming.

The film was “officially submitted for the Oscars” and thanked the Film Federation of India (FFI) for the “remarkable appreciation.” This led to confusion not just among fans but also within a section of the film industry. According to Academy rules, only one film per country is allowed as an official entry in the Best International Feature Film category. Speaking exclusively to India Today Digital, FFI President Ravi Kottarakara clarified the situation and discussed the likelihood of the Randeep Hooda film reaching the Oscars.

Ravi Kottarakara shared that he learnt about the post regarding Swatantrya Veer Savarkar being submitted for the Oscars through the media. “I don’t know what’s mentioned by the producers. However, as the parental body, we have already announced Laapataa Ladies as the official entry,” said Ravi.

For the uninitiated, the producers of Veer Savarkar posted on Instagram, “Honored and humbled! Our film Swatantrya Veer Savarkar has officially been submitted for the Oscars. Thank You FILM FEDERATION OF INDIA for this remarkable appreciation. This journey has been incredible, and we are immensely grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way (sic).”

Clarifying the FFI’s stance and discussing the film’s submission, the president of the film body stated, “The official entry is done through FFI. Filmmakers submit their films for screening, and one among them is chosen. The key word is ‘submit’ here because multiple films can be sent to us. Veer Savarkar was also submitted, and the jury did watch it. Though it was a good film, Laapataa Ladies was the unanimous choice by the jury.”

“However, one can also submit their films independently to the Academy. There is a provision for filmmakers to do that. However, that too is only a submission. But it has nothing to do with the federation. We have already released a statement announcing our choice,” he added.

Previously, the Gujarati film Last Film Show, directed by Pan Nalin, was India’s official entry for the Oscars 2023. It even managed to be shortlisted at the Academy Awards (top 15). However, SS Rajamouli also submitted his blockbuster RRR as an independent entry in 14 categories and even carried out a successful campaign around it. The song “Naatu Naatu” went on to win an honour and was even performed live on stage.

According to reports, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali also submitted Gangubai Kathiawadi that same year in all key categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay.

Emphasising why the Aamir Khan-backed Laapataa Ladies was the jury’s choice, the FFI president stated, “We stand by our decision because it’s an important film. We all speak about women and their importance, but it doesn’t reflect in our actions. I strongly believe we are nothing without women in our lives. Talking about it is easy, but giving them due space and respect is important.”

Like Veer Savarkar, other films such as Chandu Champion, Kalki, Animal, Article 370, and HanuMan were also submitted to the Film Federation of India for Oscar selection.