In a historic achievement for Indian cinema, the Bengali film Putul has etched its name in the annals of history by being nominated in the prestigious ‘Best Picture’ category at the 97th Academy Awards. This groundbreaking moment marks the first time a Bengali film has made it to the Oscars, creating a wave of excitement and pride across the nation.
Director Indira Dhar Mukherjee, in her directorial debut, has accomplished what many dream of but few achieve. Sharing the exhilarating news on Tuesday, she expressed her gratitude to the Academy and its jury members for recognizing the labor of love and dedication poured into Putul.
A Journey of Resilience and Triumph
The road to Oscar glory has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for Putul. Initially, the film’s soul-stirring song Iti Maa, sung by the acclaimed Emon Chakraborty, was shortlisted for an Oscar nomination. However, it was unexpectedly dropped from the competition at the last moment, dampening the spirits of its creators and fans.
But destiny had other plans. Out of 323 films that were eligible for the Oscars, Putul emerged as one of the 207 films nominated in the ‘Best Picture’ category. This remarkable feat has reignited hopes and renewed the focus on whether Putul can bring home the coveted golden statue.
Director’s Emotional Milestone
Taking to social media, Indira Dhar Mukherjee expressed her joy and gratitude:
Putul has earned a nomination in the ‘Best Picture’ category at the 97th Academy Awards, marking a groundbreaking achievement.The full list of nominations is now available on the Academy’s official website. We are deeply grateful to the Academy Committee and jury members for acknowledging our work and giving us this honor.”
The film’s nomination has become a beacon of hope, showcasing the richness and diversity of Bengali cinema on an international platform.
Spotlight on Bengal
With this nomination, Putul has brought Bengali cinema into the global limelight, sparking discussions about its potential to clinch an Oscar. The film’s narrative, direction, and cultural depth have captivated audiences and critics alike, making it a strong contender in a fiercely competitive category.
As the world gears up for the Oscars, the focus now shifts to whether Putul can make history once again by bringing home the first-ever Academy Award for Bengal.
Stay tuned as the journey of Putul continues to unfold, and Bengal holds its breath for what could be its crowning cinematic moment.
