Indian Films Compete for Oscars: Spotlight on 'Angh' and 'Gondhal'

India's Oscar Aspirations

India will showcase the Marathi psychological thriller Gondhal at the 2027 Oscars, directed by debutant Santosh Davakhar. Additionally, another first-time director, Theja Rio, will present his film Angh in the race for the Best International Film category.

Theja Rio's film, a Konyak-language drama, explores the struggles of the Konyak community in Nagaland amidst the rise of Christianity. Set in 1962, just before Nagaland's statehood, Angh tells the story of a village chief's fight to maintain his cultural identity.

The narrative centers on the conflict between the chief and an American Baptist missionary who has converted the villagers, leading to a clash of beliefs and familial tensions.

Although Angh is not India's official Oscar entry, it has gained momentum after winning a prestigious award at the Toronto International Film Festival, qualifying it for the international feature film Oscar.

Following the Toronto win, Theja Rio, 31, expressed his excitement, humorously noting the overwhelming number of congratulations he received. He described the experience as surreal and expressed gratitude for the recognition.

Angh expands on Rio's earlier short film of the same name from 2021. A native of Kohima, Nagaland, Rio studied at the National Film and Television School in the UK and has directed several short films, including Ade (On a Sunday), which inspired his next feature.

Rio, who is related to Nagaland's Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, identifies as a Baptist. He clarified that Angh does not aim to critique proselytization but rather to depict the complexities of the cultural conflict.

The film addresses how rapidly a new religion can alter ancient traditions, with Rio noting that while Christianity has diminished local culture, it has also brought peace and hope.

The story is told from the Angh's viewpoint, focusing on his struggles and his relationship with his son, rather than the missionary's perspective.

Emerging from a region with limited film culture, Rio's cinematic exposure was primarily through television. He recalled his first theater experience watching The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in 2003 during a family trip to Delhi.

Rio's inspiration for Angh came from his travels to Mon in eastern Nagaland, where he encountered the Konyak people. He described the experience as a cultural shock, highlighting the coexistence of ancient traditions and modern life.

To achieve a period feel, Angh was filmed on 16mm, drawing from archival materials provided by American missionaries. Rio and cinematographer Adam Pietkiewicz aimed for a minimalistic and static visual style to reflect the Angh's slow-paced life.

The cast features several newcomers, including Anglong Konyak, a well-known stand-up comedian, who plays the serious role of the Angh.

Finding actors in Mon posed challenges, as many locals were unfamiliar with the film industry. However, a casting workshop in Kohima helped identify suitable performers.

Rio discovered Anglong Konyak through an online search, recognizing that a comedian's natural presence and timing would suit the role perfectly.

The journey of Angh began triumphantly in Toronto, but the path to the Oscars is fraught with challenges, according to co-producer Nancy Nisa Beso. With extensive experience in the industry, she is committed to ensuring the film's success in Hollywood.

Beso, who has known Rio since childhood, encouraged him to pursue filmmaking and has produced all his short films. She emphasized the importance of the Toronto award as a significant milestone for the film.

The announcement of Angh's selection for the Toronto festival came as a surprise, especially given the competition from more established filmmakers.

Winning the Platform award has set the stage for the Oscar campaign, which is expected to be lengthy and costly, particularly for a film with a modest budget.

Beso acknowledged the challenges of promoting Angh without official government support, as the Film Federation of India selects the country's Oscar entry each year.

Despite this, the Toronto award provides a level of validation that could enhance the film's chances in the Oscar race.

Both Beso and sales agent Gaurav Dhingra noted that India's past failures to secure an Oscar nomination stem not from a lack of quality but from the selection process itself.

They argued for a shift in strategy, advocating for films that have the best chance of competing internationally rather than merely representing Indian culture.

Discussions are underway to secure a distributor for Angh in India and abroad, with Dhingra taking on the role of world sales agent.

The film's introduction at the Toronto festival, recognized as an Oscar launchpad, is crucial for its prospects.

Dhingra emphasized the importance of strategic decisions regarding the film's premiere and promotional efforts to engage Oscar voters.

The final nominations will be announced on January 17, with the Oscars scheduled for March 14.

Being an independent contender, Angh stands out, which could work to its advantage, according to Dhingra. He expressed optimism about the film's future and the potential for more projects from Nagaland.