Finally, an Oscar nomination for India

After years of misfired enthusiasm, India has finally succeeded in getting itself an Oscar nomination, albeit in the documentary section. Though not directed by an Indian, Period. End of Sentence., directed by Iranian-American filmmaker Rayka Zehtabchi about the menstrual hygiene in India has been shortlisted for an Oscar nomination this year in the ‘Best Documentary’ section. The documentary also features the real ‘padman’ Arunachalam Muruganantham.

Guneet Monga, who has co-produced the film was in the state of disbelief. Expressing his gratitude, he says, “I am really over the moon. It is so so so amazing to be up there with the other distinguished documentaries. I am  truly humbled and grateful  to the Academy.”

The only other occasion in recent memory when an India-based film was nominated for an Oscar was Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan which was nominated in the Best Foreign Film category in 2002.

Period. End Of Sentence. is the second film in a year to feature the struggles of Arunachalam Muruganantham in providing economical sanitary napkins to women in rural Indian. Last year, director R Balki made the well-received PadMan with Akshay Kumar playing Arunachalam.

“It’s been my struggle to give dignity and validation to women during that time of the month so that they get the same dignity and validation all through the year. I owe my success to my wife and the recognition that I’ve received is also hers,” says Arunachalam.