14 minutes agoAuthor: Kiran Jain
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Sandhya Suri's film 'Santosh' has been selected by the UK as the Best International Feature Film for Oscars 2025, which is another big success after 'Missing Ladies'. The film stars Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar in the lead roles.
Let us tell you, this film has been selected by BAFTA. This organization has been appointed to submit the entry on behalf of the UK.
While talking to Dainik Bhaskar, Sunita Rajwar expressed her happiness over the film being nominated for Oscar. Read some important excerpts from the conversation:
What was your reaction when you came to know that the film 'Santosh' has been nominated for Oscar?
It is really a 'beyond dreams' thing. First the Cannes Film Festival was a huge experience and now the Oscars, I never thought of it. This is a whole different level of experience. When I was first told about this, it was all very exciting for me. This is something that no one had thought of. Now that we are at this stage, it really feels special.
How important is it to showcase content-based films on a big platform?
Yes, absolutely. Films that are made on content need to have such platforms so that people can watch them. When people get a chance to watch such films, it makes them more open to new ideas and stories.
If someone has a good subject, they should get the opportunity to make a good film. Many times people think – oh, this won't work, or they won't find producers. These are the kinds of thoughts and challenges. But if this film reaches more people, it opens doors for others as well. With a good film getting promoted, other people are also inspired to try and tell their own stories.
How was the shooting experience?
We shot the entire film in one stretch, for about 30-35 days. There was no break. The entire film was shot in the outskirts of Lucknow. Our entire team, the sound department, the director, the cameraman, all were from outside. All were British and they worked with great discipline. It never happened that we sat till 8:30 in the 7:00 pm shift.
We made the entire film and wherever we went to rural areas, we never faced any sound problem. The experience of working there was very different. Everything was systematic. There were proper readings, workshops and even small fight sequences. It rained in October last year, and our entire shooting schedule got messed up. But still the work was done very well.
The film 'Missing Ladies' has also been nominated for Oscar. What do you have to say on this?
This film is a good example of Indian films. When I heard that this film was selected for the Oscars, I felt very proud. I was happy that a film from India was also going. At a time when we all are happy for the films of our country, then this becomes even more important. My friend Geeta Agarwal is also in it and I am proud of her success. Nowadays there is a positive atmosphere among the artists in our industry. We all support each other. There is competition, but it is a healthy competition.
How much do awards mean to you?
Awards matter, but I always tell my friends that nominations are more important. Getting or not getting an award is a matter of that day, but nomination means that your work has been noticed. There is nothing bigger than that.