“Everybody has the right to their opinion."
Vicky Kaushal has given his opinion on Sardar Udham not being selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars.
Sardar Udham starred Vicky as revolutionary Sardar Udham Singh.
Following its release, the film attracted a lot of attention after it was not selected as India’s Oscars entry.
Indraadip Dasgupta, a member of the jury that made the decision, said that the film projected “our hatred towards the British”.
He had said: “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 globalisation, it is not fair to hold on to this hatred.”
Sumit Basu, another jury member, said:
“Many have loved Sardar Udham for its cinematic quality including camerawork, editing, sound design and depiction of the period.
“I thought the length of the film was an issue. It has a delayed climax.
“It takes a lot of time for a viewer to feel the real pain for the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.”
Tamil film Koozhangal was eventually selected as India’s entry.
Now, Vicky Kaushal has reacted to the matter, saying:
“Everybody has the right to their opinion. We have a jury [comprising] experts in cinema. They made a selection, and we have to respect that selection.
“I haven’t seen the Tamil film, but Shoojitda (Sircar) has seen it and is gung-ho about it.
“I am sure it’s the best decision taken for Indian cinema to be on a global platform.
“We should now root for the film that is selected, and hope that it brings us glory.”
Shoojit Sircar, the director of Sardar Udham, previously reacted to the film not being selected. He had said:
“It is a personal opinion, it is very subjective, I have no comment on that. I respect the jury and their decision.”
“The film that was finally selected, I know about it, and I am glad that it was chosen. I go by the jury’s decision.”
Koozhangal is directed by PS Vinothraj.
The film follows the journey of an alcoholic, abusive husband who, after his long-suffering wife runs off, sets out with his young son to find her and bring her back.
It stars newcomers Chellapandi and Karuththadaiyaan. It is produced by Vignesh Shivan and Nayanthara.
Vicky Kaushal had previously sent his congratulations on Instagram, writing:
“Congratulations Vignesh Sivan, Nayanthara, and Team Koozhangal! Go for glory!!!”
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