Academy Awards 2024: Guneet Monga On Why Lesser Indian Films Are Nominated For The Oscars

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MARCH 11,2024

With the 96th Academy Awards 2024 taking over the internet, the winners list looks interesting as ever. Many firsts were seen, including Robert Downey Jr. winning his first Oscar and Emma Stone's Poor Things ruling the charts. Amidst this, an Indian-origin film, To Kill a Tiger, is nominated for the 96th Oscar.

Helmed by Nisha Pahuja, the Indian ary has Priyanka Chopra, Dev Patel, and Mindy Kaling serving as executive producers. To Kill a Tiger is based on the story of an Indian farmer, Ranjit, who decides to take on the fight of his life when he demands justice for his 13-year-old daughter, who has been a victim of brutal gang rape.

Last year, it was Guneet Monga's The Elephant Whisperers that won the Oscars in the Best Documentary category. Reminiscing about the historic win, the producer said, "It feels like it happened yesterday."

She even opened up about why lesser Indian films are being nominated for the Oscars. Giving a practical and logical reason, the producer also spoke about how global recognition brings a lot of pride to the filmmakers.

Guneet Monga on winning an Oscar

In an exclusive chat with India Today, the producer spoke about how awards may not be gratification for the passion she has for films, but the feeling of putting Indian cinema on a global map is a feeling of pride.

'It feels great, surreal, and quite thrilling. It's almost like participating in the Olympics and winning a medal for our country. When I go to film festivals, it is my way of representing my country, be it with The Lunchbox or Masaan," Monga said.

Also Read: List Of Winners In Top Categories At The 96th Oscars


She further added, "However, I feel it has just gotten started for me. And amid that, when you win the most beautiful and highest reward in our industry globally, it brings you immense pride.'

Guneet added that awards and recognition don't add extra pressure on her. Instead, she believes in waking up every day and doing her job with the utmost commitment.

'One doesn't expect awards. I always believe that mehnat karni chaiye, rehmat upar wala karega (one should work hard, and the grace from above will follow). Also, honestly, you don't make things for the Oscars," she said.

Monga further continued, "India is a huge country with different languages. Here, even if a piece of content transcends multiple languages, it's a big thing. With an honor like the Academy, the stories need to cross many boundaries, and for that, they need to be told in their purest form. And when that happens, it brings immense joy.'

Guneet Monga on why lesser Indian films reach Oscars

Last year, movies like RRR and The Elephant Whisperers brought back the Academy Awards. While many Indian films have made their mark internationally, very few movies are nominated for the Oscars.

When asked how the industry can do better to attain more global recognition on a monstrous platform like the Oscars, Guneet gave an explanation from a business perspective.

'The first step is to find films that have had a breakout at a film festival. Something that gets discovered. These platforms exist so that beautiful filmmakers can come out. Indian films have started having more runs now, and that would eventually help,' she shared.

Also Read: Oscar Winner Guneet Monga Pens A Note Expressing Gratitude After Gracing The Red Carpet


Guneet Monga also mentioned that the films and filmmakers nominated for the prestigious award should be in the running for Oscars.

'And finally, one needs to find distributors in the USA who can spend time and money to spread the word for your film. One must kickstart well-decided campaigns. In easier words, when a Karan Johar distributes a 'Lunchbox', it reaches farther corners of the country," she said.

"Hence, when Sony Pictures or Lionsgate takes your film, it can help promote it well with their years of experience and networking. So, with your box office and distributor coming together, there is a better chance for magic to happen. It is a well-constructed process and cannot be done overnight or in four weeks of landing in LA with your film,' the producer concluded.

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