Many expected either Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial film Padmavat or spy thriller Razi to represent India at the prestigious Academy Awards. However, much to the shock of all, little known film Village Rockstars, Assamese film became the official representation of India at the Oscars.
Here is what went wrong for the two high profile films Padmavat and Razi. The jury which screened various films set aside Razi because of the pro Pakistani content. Few committee members raised objection on it. Many in the jury observed shades of Bhansali's earlier films in his magnum opus Padmavat. They set aside Padmavat citing similar costume dramas.
October directed by Surjeeth Ji gave a tough fight to Rima Das' Assamese film Village Rockstars. However Surjeeth Ji's film faced plagiarism issue. When Newton represented India last year at the Oscars, it faced plagiarism attack and India lost its image at the international level.
So the jury decided not to take any chance with October. So Village Rockstars which came up with the innovative and fresh script became the official representative at the Oscars. Since the makers of the film couldn't spend huge amounts for lobbying at the Oscars, The Union Government and Assam state government decided to take upon the responsibility.