Oscars 2022: Suriya starrer Jai Bhim, Mohanlal's Marakkar Arabikandalinte qualify for nomination

Telugu film Jai Bhim starring Suriya and Marakkar Arabikandalinte featuring Mohanlal have qualified for nominations for the Oscars 2022. The 94th Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced as many as 276 feature films that passed the eligibility criteria.

A few days back, Jai Bhim got a feature on the official YouTube channel of the Oscars with the director’s story narrative. Helmed by TJ Gnanvel, the pan-India film had earlier left behind The Shawshank Redemption on IMDB ratings.

Jai Bhim and controversies

Earlier in November, Jai Bhim triggered a major controversy after the Vanniyar community sent a legal notice to its director for allegedly portraying the community in the wrong light in the film. The community demanded an official apology from its makers and also a Rs 5 crore compensation within seven days for the damage done.

Starring Suriya and Lijomol Jose, Jai Bhim plot is inspired by a real-life incident that took place in 1993 wherein a tribal man was beaten to death during police custody.

This film was also criticised by a section of social media users who argued over a scene wherein the cop slaps the man who talks in Hindi during the police investigation. This particular scene triggered the North Indian-South Indian feud on social media.

On the other hand, Mohanlal’s period drama Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simhham had already won several honours at the 67th National Film Awards like Best Feature Film, Best Costume Design, and Best Special Effects. The film has been released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

The plot of Marakkar revolves around the life of Kunjali Marakkar IV who was the naval chief of the Zamorin. The film has been produced by Antony Perumbavoor under the Aashirvad Cinemas banner and also features Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty in lead roles.

Oscars 2022 will release the full list of nominations on February 22.