Overview

• The Film Federation of India announced the selection at a Kolkata press conference, with committee chair N Chandra saying it was chosen from 24 submissions across languages.
• Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, the drama follows two friends from rural North India confronting caste and religious discrimination as they pursue police jobs.
• Produced by Dharma Productions (Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra), the film lists Martin Scorsese as an executive producer.
• The Cannes Un Certain Regard title earned strong festival notice, including second runner-up for TIFF’s International People’s Choice Award after its Toronto bow.
• A theatrical release in India is set for September 26, with Johar and director Neeraj Ghaywan calling the Oscar selection a profound honor.