In a recent interview, Aamir Khan reflected on why Indian films rarely secure Oscar nominations in the Best International Feature category. His insights contrasted with Shah Rukh Khan’s earlier remarks on the same topic. Notably, no Indian film has been nominated in the category since Aamir’s Lagaan in 2001.
Addressing the difficulty of being nominated, Aamir emphasized the intense competition. “People forget that the Best International Feature category is probably the toughest at the Oscars.While Best Film nominations involve a limited pool, Best International Feature involves competing against the best film from each participating country,” he explained. “With around 80 countries submitting their top films, being nominated is a huge achievement in itself. Films from countries like Iran, Germany, and France are often exceptional, making the competition incredibly challenging.”
Shah Rukh Khan’s View on Indian Film Formats
During the interview, Aamir was asked about Shah Rukh Khan’s earlier comments on the subject. Shah Rukh had remarked that Indian films might need to adapt their format to resonate with the Academy’s preferences.
He suggested that Indian filmmakers should consider shorter runtimes and fewer song sequences, saying, “If I’m invited to your party, I need to dress up in the code you tell me to. I cannot be wearing my code of two and a half hours and five songs.”
Why Aamir Khan Disagrees with Shah Rukh Khan
Aamir expressed a differing opinion, citing Lagaan as an example. “I don’t agree. Lagaan was three hours and 42 minutes long and had six songs, yet it got nominated. This proves that runtime and songs are not barriers for Academy members. What matters is the quality of the film and its emotional impact. Ultimately, it’s about touching hearts, and members are human like anyone else.”
Historically, only three Indian films—Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2001)—have been nominated in the Best International Feature category.
However, Indian cinema has recently gained recognition in other Oscar categories. RRR won Best Original Song, while The Elephant Whisperers received the Best Documentary Short award. Additionally, Writing with Fire and All That Breathes were nominated in the Best Documentary Feature category.
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Lagaan is an epic sports drama set during British colonial rule. The story revolves around villagers who are burdened by high taxes and drought.
In a desperate bid to secure tax relief, they accept a British officer’s challenge to a cricket match. Starring Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, and Paul Blackthorne, the film is widely regarded as one of India’s greatest cinematic achievements.
For Aamir, the key to Oscar recognition lies in the emotional resonance of a film rather than conforming to perceived formats. He believes Indian filmmakers should focus on creating impactful stories while accepting that global competition is fierce.
