Oscar Fever On: Pakistan declares Zinda Bhaag their Official Entry

As the Oscar fever is catching up wild this season, Pakistan has declared its Oscar entry after a long 50 years. Last entry made by the country was Khawaja Khurshid Anwar’s Ghunghat in 1963. Other than that, only one entry was made by the country was four years prior to that in 1959 – Akhtar J Kardar’s Jago Hua Savera.

Zinda Bhaag is the movie this year to be contesting in the Foreign Language category of the Academy Awards 2014.

Directed by Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, the film stars our very own Naseeruddin Shah. After Khuda Kay Liye – this is his next feature to be done in Pakistan. Other than Shah, the movie also casts Amna Ilyus.

The movie revolves around three young men try to escape the reality of their everyday lives and succeed in ways they had least expected. This comedy/thriller took an innovative way of story-telling – thereby creating an evolution in the country. After Saudi Arabia, this one is another much-talked-about entry for the said category.

But as always, the naysayers for the same are creating issues. As PASC has officially declared Zinda Bhaag for Oscar nomination, United Producers Association (UPA) headed by film-maker Shahzad Nawaz whose Chambaili didn’t make the cut took to social media questioning the selection onboard. Though much drama is about to unfold in course – officially Zinda Bhaag (Transit) is the official entry from Pakistan after a long time. A thing to cherish for sure!

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About Sankha Ghosh

Sankha Ghosh was never born in that 'City of Joy', never was a banker, never watched a Godard, never loved Kafka, never fell for that Solitary Reaper, never danced on a friend’s wedding, never fought for human rights, never had a crush at college and never ever aspired to work on a novel! Never was he as simple as this! #He wishes