Indian submissions for the Oscar Award for Best International Feature Film
by admirbeuty | created - 29 Oct 2021 | updated - 6 months ago | PublicIndia has sent 57 films to represent India at the Oscar since Mother India (1957).
Most of India's submissions were Hindi films (including Hindustani films) at 34, three of which received nominations.
Tamil films were submitted by the committee on 10 occasions.
3 submissions were Marathi films, 3 Malayalam films, 2 were Bengali films.
1 movie from Telugu film, Gujarati film, Konkani film and Assamese film each.
Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray has represented India three times in this competition, the most by any director.
As actors Kamal Haasan and Raghubir Yadav have been part of seven films submitted for the consideration—more than any other performer.
Tamil actor Kamal Haasan has most often represented the country as a Lead performer, with seven films submitted—including three consecutive films between 1985 and 1987, one of which he directed himself.
Aamir Khan has represented India four times as an actor, including once as a director and thrice as a producer; Lagaan (2001), which he produced and starred in, received a nomination.
Sunil Dutt has represented India three times as an actor, including once as a director and twice as an Actor.
The Highest rated film is The World of Apu (1959) and Guru (1997) with 8.5 and the lowest rated film is Payal Ki Jhankaar with 5.7.
21 of the films are rated 8 to 8.9 out of 10 in IMDb ratings.
25 of the films are rated 7 to 7.9 out of 10 in IMDb ratings.
10 of the films are rated 6 to 6.9 out of 10 in IMDb ratings.
The main reason for India not getting Oscar till date is selection of wrong films by FFI to represent India.
Most of the Commercial Hindi films with ratings of 6 to 6.9 are wrong selection of the Jury and it is the reason only 3 films got nominated and none won the Oscar till now.
The Jury's inefficiency also exhibited in selecting remakes not accepted in Oscar like Devdas, Barfi, Newton and Gully Boy.
On the contrary many Art films made in late 70s and 80s were a better choice to represent India and get nominated and even won.
Also focus on Hindi Films Compared to Regional films specially Marathi, Malayalam and Bengali films would have improved the chance of Nomination and win as they are better reflection of India and its Culture and Tradition apart from being Original the main Criterial for Oscar Win.
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1. Mother India (1957)
Not Rated | 172 min | Action, Comedy, Drama
In this melodrama, a poverty-stricken woman raises her sons through many trials and tribulations. But no matter the struggles, she always sticks to her own moral code.
Director: Mehboob Khan | Stars: Nargis, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar Tuli, Raaj Kumar
Votes: 9,856
1st film to get Nominated.
Sunil Dutt's 1st film.
Nights of Cabiria from Italy Won Academy Award.
2. Madhumati (1958)
110 min | Fantasy, Musical, Mystery
A young man takes shelter in a mansion when a landslide blocks his route to the railway station. Then, he finds the mansion familiar and soon learns about the story of his previous birth.
Director: Bimal Roy | Stars: Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Johnny Walker, Pran Sikand
Votes: 1,580
My Uncle from France Won Academy Award.
3. The World of Apu (1959)
Not Rated | 105 min | Drama
This final installment in Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy follows Apu's life as an orphaned adult aspiring to be a writer.
Director: Satyajit Ray | Stars: Soumitra Chatterjee, Sharmila Tagore, Alok Chakravarty, Swapan Mukherjee
Votes: 16,752 | Gross: $0.02M
It was the first Bengali film to be submitted by India in contest for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Satyajit Ray's 1st film.
Black Orpheus from France Won Academy Award.
4. Mughal-E-Azam (1960)
Not Rated | 197 min | Drama, Romance, War
A 16th century prince falls in love with a court dancer and battles with his emperor father.
Director: K. Asif | Stars: Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala, Dilip Kumar, Durga Khote
Votes: 8,826 | Gross: $0.16M
At Five O'Clock in the Afternoon from Spain Won Academy Award.
5. Stree (1961)
139 min | Fantasy
Director: Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre | Stars: Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre, Sandhya, Rajshree, Bhagwan Palav
Votes: 28
Through a Glass Darkly from Sweden Won Academy Award.
6. Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)
Not Rated | 152 min | Drama, Musical
A lowly servant, Bhootnath gets close to the wife of his employer and narrates her story through his eyes and perspective.
Director: Abrar Alvi | Stars: Meena Kumari, Guru Dutt, Rehman Khan, Waheeda Rehman
Votes: 1,851
Sundays and Cybele from France Won Academy Award.
7. The Big City (1963)
Not Rated | 122 min | Drama
Life at home changes when a house-wife from a middle-class, conservative family in Calcutta gets a job as a saleswoman.
Director: Satyajit Ray | Stars: Anil Chatterjee, Madhavi Mukherjee, Jaya Bachchan, Haren Chatterjee
Votes: 4,963
Satyajit Ray's 2nd film.
8½ from Itally Won Academy Award.
8. Guide (1965)
Not Rated | 183 min | Drama, Romance
When mistaken to be a sage by some villagers, an ex-tour guide reflects on his past and lost love to search for spiritual wisdom to guide the villagers.
Director: Vijay Anand | Stars: Dev Anand, Waheeda Rehman, Leela Chitnis, Anwar Hussain
Votes: 8,592
The Shop on Main Street from Czechoslovakia Won Academy Award.
9. Amrapali (1966)
119 min | Fantasy, History
A victory over neighboring state Vaishai has always eluded Magadh Samrat Ajaatshatru despite being winning and taking control over all neighboring states. He attacks Vaishali only get ... See full summary »
Director: Lekh Tandon | Stars: Vyjayanthimala, Sunil Dutt, Premnath Malhotra, Bipin Gupta
Votes: 276
Sunil Dutt's 2nd film.
In 1966, India sent Amrapali its official entry to the Oscars which caused a huge uproar as people felt Mrinal Sen's movie, Matira Manisha, was more deserving of this honour with a stronger story and better performances.
It won the National Film Awards 1967 (Silver Lotus for Best Odia film)
A Man and a Woman from France Won Academy Award.
10. Aakhri Khat (1966)
153 min | Drama
The illegitimate toddler son of a poor village woman and a city-based artist is lost on the streets of Bombay after his mother's untimely demise.
Director: Chetan Anand | Stars: Rajesh Khanna, Indrani Mukherjee, Master Bunty, Manvendra Chitnis
Votes: 154
Closely Watched Trains from Czechoslovakia Won Academy Award.
11. Majhli Didi (1967)
Not Rated | 136 min | Drama
Bipinchandra breaks family tradition by marrying a city girl, Hemangini, much to the chagrin of his sister-in-law, Kadambini, and her husband, Navinchandra. Things are delicate even after ... See full summary »
Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee | Stars: Meena Kumari, Dharmendra, Lalita Pawar, Sachin Pilgaonkar
Votes: 115
War and Peace from Soviet Union Won Academy Award.
12. Deiva Magan (1969)
166 min | Drama, Family
The story is about a father and his sons--all three roles played by Sivaji Ganesan. One son who had disappeared shortly after his birth reappears, spends time with his father, and solves ... See full summary »
Director: A.C. Trilogchander | Stars: Shivaji Ganesan, Jayalalitha J, Pandari Bai, Major Sundarrajan
Votes: 156
It was the first Tamil film to be submitted by India in contest for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Z from Algeria Won Academy Award.
13. Reshma Aur Shera (1971)
158 min | Drama, Musical, Romance
Reshma and Shera belong to rival families.They fall in love even after knowing rivalry among their families.Sagat Singh ,Shera's father doesn't accept this and forces his younger son Chotu ... See full summary »
Director: Sunil Dutt | Stars: Waheeda Rehman, Sunil Dutt, Rakhee Gulzar, Vinod Khanna
Votes: 255
Sunil Dutt's 3rd film.
Amitabh Bachchan's 1st film.
In 1971, India sent Reshma Aur Sheraits official entry to the Oscars which caused a huge uproar as people felt Satyajit Ray's Pratidwandi, Mrinal Sen's movie, Ek Adhuri Kahani and Interview was more deserving of this honour with a stronger story and better performances.
Pratidwandi won three Indian National Film Awards; including the National Film Award for Best Direction in 1971 and a nomination for the Gold Hugo Award, at the Chicago International Film Festival, 1971.
The Garden of the Finzi-Continis from Italy Won Academy Award.
14. Uphaar (1971)
Not Rated | 122 min | Drama, Romance
Anoop marries Minoo, a childish girl who doesn't understand her relationship with Anoop. While returning back to Calcutta, he is compelled to leave her with her mother.
Director: Sudhendu Roy | Stars: Swarup Dutt, Jaya Bachchan, Suresh Chatwal, Nandita Thakur
Votes: 114
In 1971, India sent Uphaar its official entry to the Oscars which caused a huge uproar as people felt Hrishikesh Mukherjee 's movie, Anand, was more deserving of this honour with a stronger story that won National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
It also won 6 Filmfare Awards and Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards.
In 2013, it was listed in Anupama Chopra's book 100 Films To See before You Die.
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie from France Won Academy Award.
15. Saudagar (1973)
Not Rated | 131 min | Drama, Family
A calculative man schemes to deceit a poor but young widow for his personal monetary gains.
Director: Sudhendu Roy | Stars: Amitabh Bachchan, Nutan, Trilok Kapoor, Padma Khanna
Votes: 877
Amitabh Bachchan's 2nd film.
In 1973, India sent Saudagar its official entry to the Oscars which caused a huge uproar as people felt Gulzar 's movie, Koshish, was more deserving of this honour with a stronger story and performances that won 2 National Awards including Best Actor Award for Sanjeev Kumar.
Koshish also won the BFJA Awards.
The Earth Is a Sinful Song from Finland Won Academy Award.
16. Garm Hava (1974)
146 min | Drama
In post-partition India, a Muslim businessman and his family struggle for their rights in a country which was once their own.
Director: M.S. Sathyu | Stars: Balraj Sahni, A.K. Hangal, Geeta Kak, Jamal Hashmi
Votes: 829
It was the first Urdu film to be submitted by India in contest for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Amarcord from Italy Won Academy Award.
17. Manthan (1976)
134 min | Drama
Dr.Rao (Girih Karnad) is a Vetinary doc, who comes to this village with the aim of starting a Milk Co-operative society for the welfare of the villagers. But the wealthy businessman ... See full summary »
Director: Shyam Benegal | Stars: Girish Karnad, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, Anant Nag
Votes: 699
Madame Rosa from France Won Academy Award.
18. The Chess Players (1977)
Not Rated | 129 min | Comedy, Drama, History
In 1856, two obsessed noblemen ignore everything while playing chess and fail to notice British rule extending into their Indian province.
Director: Satyajit Ray | Stars: Sanjeev Kumar, Saeed Jaffrey, Shabana Azmi, Farida Jalal
Votes: 4,065
Satyajit Ray's 3rd film.
Get Out Your Handkerchiefs from France Won Academy Award.
19. Payal Ki Jhankaar (1980)
Not Rated | 114 min | Romance
A girl who is passionate about dance is ill treated by her relatives. She runs away from home to pursue her dream and overcomes many obstacles to become an accomplished dancer.
Director: Satyen Bose | Stars: Alankar Joshi, Komal Mahuvakar, Surinder Kaur, Veena
Votes: 30
In 1980, India sent Payal Ki Jhankaar its official entry to the Oscars which caused a huge uproar as people felt Govind Nihalani 's movie, Aakrosh, was more deserving of this honour with a stronger story and and went on to win 1980 National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi .
It won the 'Golden Peacock' for the Best Film at the International Film Festival of India
It is in the list of 60 films that shaped the Indian film industry spanning six decades.
Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears from Soviet Union Won Academy Award.
20. Saaransh (1984)
Not Rated | 137 min | Drama
An old couple lend a room on rent after recent death of the bread earner of the family, their only son. A budding actress starts living with them, who is in love with a local politician's only son. The movie shows what later ensues.
Director: Mahesh Bhatt | Stars: Anupam Kher, Rohini Hattangadi, Soni Razdan, Madan Jain
Votes: 2,035
Dangerous Moves from Switzerland Won Academy Award.
21. Saagar (1985)
186 min | Drama, Romance
Raja, a fisherman is secretly in love with Mona. When wealthy Ravi comes to live with his grandmother, Kamladevi, he sees Mona and falls in love with her. Mona also reciprocates his love. ... See full summary »
Director: Ramesh Sippy | Stars: Rishi Kapoor, Kamal Haasan, Dimple Kapadia, Nadira
Votes: 1,069
Kamal Hassan's 1st Film.
In 1985, India sent Saagar its official entry to the Oscars which caused a huge uproar as people felt Shyam Benegal's movie, Trikal, was more deserving of this honour with a stronger story and performances that won 2 National Award.
The film was selected for the Indian Panorama at Filmotsav 1986, and for the Indian Film Retrospective, Lisbon 1986. It was later invited to the London Film Festival 1986.
The Official Story from Argentina Won Academy Award.
22. Swathi Muthyam (1986)
Not Rated | 160 min | Drama, Family, Romance
The story is of mentally slow man, whose life is recapped to his grand-daughter. How he meets his wife (who was a widow), earns his living and fights the injustice he and his wife face.
Director: K. Viswanath | Stars: Kamal Haasan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Allu Arjun, Sarath Babu
Votes: 940
It was the first Telugu film to be submitted by India in contest for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Kamal Hassan's 2nd Film.
The Assault from Netherlands Won Academy Award.
23. Nayakan (1987)
Not Rated | 145 min | Crime, Drama
A common man's struggles against a corrupt police force put him on the wrong side of the law. He becomes a don, who is loved and respected by many, but his growing power and influence exact a heavy toll.
Director: Mani Ratnam | Stars: Kamal Haasan, Saranya Ponvannan, Delhi Ganesh, Janakaraj
Votes: 22,991
Kamal Hassan's 3rd Film.
Mani Ratnam's 1st Film.
Babette's Feast from Denmark Won Academy Award.
24. Salaam Bombay! (1988)
Not Rated | 113 min | Crime, Drama
Young Krishna struggles to survive among the drug dealers, pimps, and prostitutes in the back alleys and gutters of India.
Director: Mira Nair | Stars: Shafiq Syed, Anjaan, Amrit Patel, Murari Sharma
Votes: 10,092 | Gross: $2.08M
2nd film to get Nominated
Nana Patekar's 1st film.
Pelle the Conqueror from Denmark Won Academy Award.
25. Parinda (1989)
Not Rated | 154 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A man's friend, a police officer, is assassinated by gangsters in broad daylight. He discovers that his elder brother works in the same gang and decides to avenge his friend's death by infiltrating the gang.
Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra | Stars: Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Madhuri Dixit
Votes: 3,738
Vidhu Vinod Chopra 1st Film.
Nana Patekar's 2nd film.
In 1989, India sent Parinda its official entry to the Oscars that failed to get even nomination.
Adoor Gopalakrishnan's movie, Mathilukal was more deserving of this honour with an original script and performance that won 4 National Award including Best Actor award for Mammootty.
The film was screened at the Venice Film Festival.
Mathilukal won 4 National Awards and FIPRESCI Prize & UNICEF Award.
On the centenary of Indian cinema in April 2013, Forbes included Mammootty's performance in the film on its list, "25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema".
Cinema Paradiso from Italy Won Academy Award.
26. Anjali (1990)
Not Rated | 150 min | Drama
After a few years, Chitra learns that her child, who was believed to be dead, is alive but is suffering from a mental illness. However, her family faces many challenges while looking after her child.
Director: Mani Ratnam | Stars: Shamili, Revathi, Raghuvaran, Tarun
Votes: 3,176
Mani Ratnam's 2nd Film.
Journey of Hope from from Switzerland Won Academy Award.
27. Henna (1991)
184 min | Drama, Romance, Musical
Orphan Chander Prakash is employed as a menial laborer in a timber mart; he meets with wealthy Chandni only to fall in love with her and the marriage is arranged with the blessings of ... See full summary »
Director: Randhir Kapoor | Stars: Rishi Kapoor, Zeba Bakhtiar, Ashwini Bhave, Saeed Jaffrey
Votes: 769
In 1991, India sent Henna its official entry to the Oscars which caused a huge uproar as people felt Sibi Malayil's movie Bharatham, was more deserving of this honour with a stronger story and performances that won 3 National Award.
The film won three National Film Awards—Best Actor for Mohanlal, Best Male Playback Singer for K. J. Yesudas for the song "Rama Katha Ganalayam", and Special Mention for Raveendran's music, and five Kerala State Film Awards
On the centenary of Indian cinema in 2013, Forbes India included Mohanlal's performance in the film on its list of "25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema".
Mediterraneo from Italy Won Academy Award.
28. Thevar Magan (1992)
145 min | Action, Drama, Romance
The urbane son of a village chieftain struggles between his personal aspirations and those of his family.
Director: Bharathan | Stars: Kamal Haasan, Shivaji Ganesan, Nassar, Revathi
Votes: 8,025
Kamal Hassan's 4th Film.
In 1992, FFI sent Thevar Magan as its official entry to the Oscars which was a commercial film and many felt Buddhadeb Dasgupta's Bengali movie, Tahader Katha, was more deserving of this honour with a stronger story and performances that won 2 National Awards.
It won the National Award for Best Film and Best Actor Award for Mithun Chakraborty that year.
It was screened in Berlin, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Chicagao, Demascus and Frigboarg International Film Festival where it garnered Appreciation from International Audiences of World Cinema.
Indochina from from France Won Academy Award.
29. Rudaali (1993)
128 min | Drama
In a small village in Rajasthan, India, a woman named Shanichari was born - so named, as shortly after her birth her father died; & her mother, Peewli, ran away with a rich lover, the owner... See full summary »
Director: Kalpana Lajmi | Stars: Rakhee Gulzar, Dimple Kapadia, Raj Babbar, Raghubir Yadav
Votes: 586
Belle Époque from Spain Won Academy Award.
30. Bandit Queen (1994)
Not Rated | 119 min | Action, Biography, Crime
The story of the bandit queen Phoolan Devi who was sent to prison in 1983 and got free in 1994.
Director: Shekhar Kapur | Stars: Seema Biswas, Nirmal Pandey, Rajesh Vivek, Raghubir Yadav
Votes: 5,317 | Gross: $0.40M
Burnt by the Sun from Russia Won Academy Award.
31. Kuruthipunal (1995)
Not Rated | 143 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
Suave and scintillating, this fast-paced action thriller follows the adventures and investigations of a group of honest police officers, who go undercover to bring down a terror network.
Director: P.C. Sreeram | Stars: Kamal Haasan, Arjun Sarja, Nassar, Gautami
Votes: 4,676
Kamal Hassan's 5th Film.
Antonia's Line from Netherlands Won Academy Award.
32. Indian (1996)
Not Rated | 185 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
A veteran freedom fighter enraged with the rising crime and corruption in the society murders all the wrong doers one by one using an ancient martial arts technique.
Director: S. Shankar | Stars: Kamal Haasan, Sukanya, Manisha Koirala, Urmila Matondkar
Votes: 13,855
Kamal Hassan's 6th Film.
S. Shankar 1st Film.
Kolya from Czech Republic Won Academy Award.
33. Guru (1997)
136 min | Drama, Fantasy
Situations turn a man who believes in secularism into an extremist. He plots to bomb a monastery where the survivors of a riot take refuge.
Director: Rajiv Anchal | Stars: Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Madhupal, Kaveri
Votes: 3,505
It was the first Malayalam film to be submitted by India in contest for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Character from Netherlands Won Academy Award.
34. Jeans (1998)
Not Rated | 175 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
The father of twin brothers wants to get them married to only twin sisters. But one of the brothers falls in love with a woman does not have a twin sister.
Director: S. Shankar | Stars: Prashanth, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Nassar, Senthil
Votes: 3,966
S. Shankar 2nd Film.
In 1998, India sent Jeans its official entry to the Oscars which caused a huge uproar as people felt Rituparno Ghosh 's movie, Dahan, was more deserving of this honour with a stronger story and better performances.
Dahan won 3 National Award including Best Feature Film.
Life Is Beautiful from from Italy Won Academy Award.
35. Earth (1998)
Not Rated | 110 min | Drama, Romance, War
It's 1947 and the borderlines between India and Pakistan are being drawn. A young girl witnesses tragedy as her ayah (nanny) is caught between the love of two men and the rising tide of political and religious violence.
Director: Deepa Mehta | Stars: Aamir Khan, Nandita Das, Rahul Khanna, Maia Sethna
Votes: 8,112 | Gross: $0.53M
Aamir Khan's 1st Film.
All About My Mother from Spain Won Academy Award.
36. Hey Ram (2000)
Not Rated | 186 min | Crime, Drama, History
Saketh Ram's wife is raped and killed during direct action day riots in Calcutta. He is convinced that Mahatma Gandhi is responsible for all the problems happening in the country and sets out to kill him.
Director: Kamal Haasan | Stars: Kamal Haasan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Hema Malini
Votes: 14,001 | Gross: $0.27M
Kamal Hassan's 7th Film.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon from Taiwan Won Academy Award.
37. Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)
PG | 224 min | Drama, Musical, Sport
The people of a small village in Victorian India stake their future on a game of cricket against their ruthless British rulers.
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker | Stars: Aamir Khan, Raghubir Yadav, Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley
Votes: 120,682 | Gross: $0.91M
3rd film to get Nominated
Aamir Khan's 2nd Film.
No Man's Land from Bosnia and Herzegovina Won Academy Award.
38. Devdas (I) (2002)
Not Rated | 185 min | Drama, Musical, Romance
After his wealthy family prohibits him from marrying the woman he is in love with, Devdas Mukherjee's life spirals further and further out of control as he takes up alcohol and a life of vice to numb the pain.
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali | Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jackie Shroff
Votes: 46,928 | Gross: $3.50M
Shahrukh Khan's 1st Film.
In 2002, India sent Devdas as its official entry to the Oscars which caused a huge uproar as people felt Adoor Gopalakrishnan 's Nizhalkkuthu, was more deserving of this honour with a stronger story and better performances.
It won National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam and Bombay International Film Festival - FIPRESCI Prize
Nowhere in Africa from Germany Won Academy Award.
39. A Breath (2004)
107 min | Drama
This story is about how an old man tried to show his grandson the preciousness and beauty of life in a no win situation such as cancer. It is about keeping a positive attitude towards life.
Director: Sandeep Sawant | Stars: Arun Nalawade, Ashwin Chitale, Sandeep Kulkarni, Amruta Subhash
Votes: 1,627 | Gross: $0.00M
It was the first Marathi film to be submitted by India in contest for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
The Sea Inside from Spain Won Academy Award.
40. Paheli (2005)
Not Rated | 140 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
A folk tale - supernatural love story about a ghost who falls in love with a newlywed woman.
Director: Amol Palekar | Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah
Votes: 14,263 | Gross: $1.41M
Shahrukh Khan's 2nd Film.
In 2005, India sent Paheli as its official entry to the Oscars which caused a huge uproar as people felt Shyam Benegal's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero , was more deserving of this honour with a stronger story and better performances.
The film received wide critical acclaim at the BFI London Film Festival, and has garnered the National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration, and the National Film Award for Best Production Design for that year
41. Rang De Basanti (2006)
Not Rated | 167 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
The story of six young Indians who assist an English woman to film a documentary on the freedom fighters from their past, and the events that lead them to relive the long-forgotten saga of freedom.
Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra | Stars: Aamir Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi
Votes: 122,360 | Gross: $2.20M
Aamir Khan's 3rd Film.
The Lives of Others from Germany Won Academy Award.
42. Eklavya: The Royal Guard (2007)
Not Rated | 105 min | Action, Drama, Mystery
As the kingdom of Devigarh comes apart at the seams, an aging bodyguard attempts to protect the Royal Family, as well as keep its darkest secrets from ever coming to light.
Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra | Stars: Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan
Votes: 3,496 | Gross: $1.10M
Amitabh Bachchan's 3rd film.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra 2nd Film.
Eklavya: The Royal Guard faced a similar controversy when it was chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars.
However, many felt that this wasn’t an original concept and Khosla Ka Ghosla! deserved the spot more for their stories and cinematography.
Khosla Ka Ghosla was screened at the 2006 Kara Film Festival and was released on 22 September 2006 to positive critical reception. It won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi at the 54th National Film Awards.
The Counterfeiters from Austria Won Academy Award.
43. Like Stars on Earth (2007)
PG | 162 min | Drama, Family
An eight-year-old boy is thought to be a lazy trouble-maker, until the new art teacher has the patience and compassion to discover the real problem behind his struggles in school.
Directors: Aamir Khan, Amole Gupte | Stars: Darsheel Safary, Aamir Khan, Tisca Chopra, Vipin Sharma
Votes: 206,697 | Gross: $1.22M
Aamir Khan's 4th Film.
Departures from Japan Won Academy Award.
44. Harishchandrachi Factory (2009)
Not Rated | 96 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
In 1913 India's cinema industry is born from Dadasaheb Phalke's efforts to make Raja Harishchandra (1913), India's first feature-length B&W silent film.
Director: Paresh Mokashi | Stars: Nandu Madhav, Vibhawari Deshpande, Atharva Karve, Mohit Gokhale
Votes: 2,699
The Secret in Their Eyes from Argentina Won Academy Award.
45. Peepli [Live] (2010)
Not Rated | 95 min | Comedy, Drama
An impoverished farmer's threat to end his life invites attention from politicians and media.
Directors: Anusha Rizvi, Mahmood Farooqui | Stars: Onkar Das Manikpuri, Raghubir Yadav, Shalini Vatsa, Farrukh Jaffar
Votes: 12,769 | Gross: $0.75M
In a Better World from Denmark Won Academy Award.
46. Abu, Son of Adam (2011)
101 min | Drama
A poor aging couple struggle to fulfill their lifelong dream of going to Mecca for pilgrimage.
Director: Salim Ahmed | Stars: Salim Kumar, Said Alharbi, M.R. Gopakumar, Jaffer Idukki
Votes: 1,232
A Separation from Iran Won Academy Award.
In 2011, the jury of the 58th National Film Awards made a recommendation that the Best Film winners at the annual National Film Awards be chosen as the official entry
47. Barfi! (2012)
Not Rated | 151 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Three young people learn that love can neither be defined nor contained by society's definition of normal and abnormal.
Director: Anurag Basu | Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ileana D'Cruz, Saurabh Shukla
Votes: 86,785 | Gross: $2.80M
2012 was a golden year for Bollywood with several original-concept films like Gangs Of Wasseypur, Vicky Donor and Paan Singh Tomar.
However, that year, Barfi! was India’s official entry to the Oscars. Though Barfi! had great performances by Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra, it was heavily plagiarised from movies like Cops, The Adventurer, Citylights, Singing In The Rain, Project A, The Notebook, and Benny & Joon.
Barfi! Did not make it to the final list of Oscar nominations.
Many felt Paan Singh Tomar was an original script and more dererving. Paan Singh Tomar premiered at the 2010 British Film Institute London Film Festival.
The film won the Best Feature Film and Best Actor in the 60th National Film Awards 2012.
Amour from Austria Won Academy Award.
48. The Good Road (2013)
Not Rated | 92 min | Drama
A family on vacation lose their son. A truck driver's last ride. A girl chasing hope. This is a life affirming journey, across a local highway, and into the heart of an unseen India, where acts of great compassion are shown to strangers.
Director: Gyan Correa | Stars: Ajay Gehi, Sonali Kulkarni, Shamji Dhana Kerasia, Priyank Upadhyay
Votes: 571
It was the first Gujrati film to be submitted by India in contest for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
The Good Road, a Gujarat film was India’s official Oscar entry in 2013. This was the year Irrfan Khan’s Lunchbox received a wave of praise from critics and viewers alike. The film won at many film festivals, including the Viewer’s Choice Award at Cannes.
Everyone thought it would be a sure shot choice for India’s Oscar entry, but, eventually, the Film Federation chose The Good Road and invited criticism from all sides.
The Great Beauty from Italy Won Academy Award.
49. Liar's Dice (2013)
104 min | Adventure, Drama, Family
A mother and her daughter embarks on a desperate journey to find her missing husband. She met an guy who promised to help her for money. With limited money it become difficult to continue the search which leads to anxiety and despair.
Director: Geethu Mohandas | Stars: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Geetanjali Thapa, Manya Gupta, Vikram Bhagra
Votes: 1,161
In 2013, India sent Liar's Dice as its official entry to the Oscars which caused a huge uproar as people felt Shoojit Sircar's Madras Cafe and Rakesh Om Prakash's Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, was more deserving of this honour with a stronger story and better performances.
Punjab 1984 based on real life events is another deserving film that year.
Norte, the End of History from Philippines Won Academy Award.
50. Court (2014)
116 min | Drama
When an aging activist is arrested, the lives of the accused, the lawyers, and the judge intertwine to reveal bigotry that underscores the judicial system.
Director: Chaitanya Tamhane | Stars: Vira Sathidar, Vivek Gomber, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Pradeep Joshi
Votes: 5,273
Son of Saul from Hungary Won Academy Award.
51. Visaaranai (2015)
Not Rated | 117 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Four labourers are tortured by the police to confess to a theft they have not committed.
Director: Vetrimaaran | Stars: Dinesh, Samuthirakani, Anandhi, Murugadass
Votes: 12,078
The Salesman from Iran Won Academy Award.
52. Newton (2017)
Not Rated | 106 min | Comedy, Drama
A government clerk on election duty in the conflict ridden jungle of Central India tries his best to conduct free and fair voting despite the apathy of security forces and the looming fear of guerrilla attacks by communist rebels.
Director: Amit Masurkar | Stars: Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Anjali Patil, Raghubir Yadav
Votes: 21,205
Its selection as India's entry for the Oscars, Newton was criticized for its striking similarities with the Iranian movie Secret Ballot.
Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016) (Wheatish Complexion Moderately Built) directed by Hemanth Rao was an original script and more deserving film.
A Fantastic Woman from Chile Won Academy Award.
53. Village Rockstars (2017)
87 min | Drama
In small-town Assam, the 10-year-old daughter of a widow defies societal norms as she befriends a group of boys and dreams of having her own rock band.
Director: Rima Das | Stars: Bhanita Das, Basanti Das, Boloram Das, Rinku Das
Votes: 1,028
It was the first Assamese film to be submitted by India in contest for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Roma from Mexico Won Academy Award.
54. Gully Boy (2019)
Not Rated | 154 min | Drama, Music, Romance
A coming-of-age story based on the lives of street rappers in Mumbai.
Director: Zoya Akhtar | Stars: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Vijay Raaz
Votes: 43,787 | Gross: $5.57M
Gully Boy faced a similar controversy when it was chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars. The film did well in India and shone a light on the budding rap community in Mumbai’s gullies.
However, many felt that this wasn’t an original concept and movies like Ekti Nadir Galpo, Tumbbad and Article 15 deserved the spot more for their stories and cinematography.
Ekti Nadir Galpo was India's entry for the Asian, African and Latin American competition segment of the 38th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in Goa, 2007.
After warming up to the audiences in Bengal, Ek Nodir Golpo now finds a place among the Oscar hopefuls from India.
Tumbbad premiered in the critics' week section of the 75th Venice International Film Festival—the first Indian film to be screened there. It was also screened at: the 2018 Fantastic Fest, Sitges Film Festival, the Scream fest Horror Film Festival, the El Gouna Film Festival, 23rd International Film Festival of Kerala, Morbido Film Fest, Brooklyn Horror Film Festival and Nitte International Film Festival.
Article 15 was the opening film for the 10th edition of London Indian Film Festival, premiering on 20 June 2019.
Parasite from South Korea Won Academy Award.
55. Jallikattu (2019)
Not Rated | 95 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
A portrait of a remote village where a buffalo escapes and causes a frenzy of ecstatic violence.
Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery | Stars: Antony Varghese, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sabumon Abdusamad, Jaffer Idukki
Votes: 9,044
Another Round from Denmark Won Academy Award.
56. Pebbles (2021)
75 min | Drama
A young boy travels with his violent and alcoholic father to bring back his mother, who has run away from home due to his abuse.
Director: P.S. Vinothraj | Stars: Chellapandi, Karuththadaiyaan, Philip Arulodss, Banu Priya
Votes: 781
In 2021, India sent Pebbles as its official entry to the Oscars which caused a huge uproar as people felt Shoojit Sircar's Sardar Udham, was more deserving of this honour with a stronger story and better performances.
The film was shortlisted among 14 other Indian films to be submitted at the 94th Academy Awards under the nomination of Best Foreign Film category. However, it was not selected.
Drive My Car from Japan Won Academy Award.
57. Last Film Show (2021)
110 min | Drama
Samay fights heaven and earth to find light. He wants to catch, control, cut and project that light to tell stories. Now to pursue that dream he must leave everything he loves and take a flight to find the light.
Director: Pan Nalin | Stars: Bhavin Rabari, Richa Meena, Bhavesh Shrimali, Dipen Raval
Votes: 4,425
4th film to get Nominated
58. 2018 (2023)
Not Rated | 150 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
A disaster film set during the 2018 Kerala Floods where people from all walks of life faced catastrophic consequences and put in collective efforts to survive the calamity.
Director: Jude Anthany Joseph | Stars: Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan
Votes: 12,072
Official submission of India for the 'Best International Feature Film' category of the 96th Academy Awards in 2024.
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