New Delhi: The primary nominations for 87th Academy Awards has started and Indian artists and films have succeeded in creating a stir at the prestigious honour.
A.R. Rahman who already holds two Oscar Awards has been nominated for three this year. He has been nominated for his music in Hollywood films ‘Million Dollar Arm' and ‘The Hundred Foot Journey.' Both the films star Indian actors in important roles.
‘Million Dollar Arm' is about the journey of two Indian youngsters who went on to play professional baseball in America after winning a reality show. The film stars Madhur Mittal and Suraj Sharma in the role of young players.
Produced by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, ‘The Hundred Foot Journey' stars Helen Mirren and Om Puri in leading roles.
Rahman's third nomination comes for Tamil action-animation film ‘Kochadaiiyaan.' The film was directed by Rajinikanth's daughter Soundarya R. Ashwin.
Other than A.R. Rahman's and Kochadaiiyaan's nomination, another Indian film ‘Jal' made it big with two nominations at this year's award. The film is nominated in two categories, Best Picture and Best original Score.
‘Jal' is not nominated in foreign language category of Best Picture but the nomination is in the main category.
The film is about a man with special ability of finding water in the desert. Set in the background of water scarcity, the film is an action-drama with unexpected climax.
Purab Kohli, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Yashpal Sharma play lead roles in the film.
Debutant director Girish Malik's film ‘Jal' won National Award for Special Effects this year. Apart from the nominations the film's screenplay has also been invited to the Oscar library for their permanent collection.
Singer turned composer Sonu Nigam and Bickram Ghosh directed the music for the film. If both Rahman and Sonu Nigam make it to the final nominations, it would be the first time for two Indian artists competing for the award at Oscars.
Another Indian film in Oscar fray is ‘Lier's Dice' which is the official entry from India in foreign language category.
The final nomination list will be announced on January 15 and the Award ceremony is scheduled for February 22. Actor comedian Neil Patrick Harris will host the 87th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
