Zoya Akhtar’s film on the hip-hop scene in Dharavi in Mumbai inspired by Divine (Vivian Fernandes) and Naezy (Naved Shaikh), Gully Boy is India’s official entry to Oscars. The film stars Ranveer Singh (as Murad), Alia Bhatt, Kalki Koechlin who plays ‘Sky’ among others.
Kalki said in a statement to the press, “I am really happy that the film got nominated and it is a good entry to the Oscars. I think Gully Boy is a great representation of India’s new dawn – one where we increasingly stand united by hope and pave the way for real, social change. The Indian Rap scene has considerably helped in pivoting this ‘change’ conversation favorably, and movies like Gully Boy are a testament to that fact and to the international audience that good Indian cinema now attracts.”
#GullyBoy has been selected as India’s official entry to the 92nd Oscar Awards. #apnatimeaayega
Thank you to the film federation and congratulations #Zoya @kagtireema @ritesh_sid @RanveerOfficial @aliaa08 @SiddhantChturvD @kalkikanmani & cast, crew and hip hop crew. ?? pic.twitter.com/Eyg02iETmG— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) September 21, 2019
But Oscar entry announcements are always bittersweet in India because it throws light once again on Bollywood’s hegemony. Several people took to Twitter to express their displeasure.
Apna time kabhi nahi aayega https://t.co/xd7L09qJiK
— Rajesh Pantina (@rajupanti) September 21, 2019
I give up. Once again. https://t.co/H6aZPeJaX1
— Rum (@KaapiRight) September 21, 2019
And you wonder why an Indian movie never makes it at the Oscars… Choose the right movie to submit for starters!!?!?!?? https://t.co/gMlfqDlhYV
— Shazil Zarook (@shazilzarook) September 21, 2019
