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`Rang De Basanti' to be India's entry for Oscar

It is chosen over `Lage Raho Munna Bhai' and `Omkara'

Mumbai: `Rang De Basanti,' Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's take on modern day patriotism will be India's entry to the Oscar in the Best Foreign Film category.

The decision to send the Aamir Khan starrer to the Oscars was announced here by the Film Federation of India.

"This year, there were eight films in contention, including `Lage Raho Munna Bhai,' `Krissh' and `Omkara,' but the jury chose `Rang De Basanti', " Film Federation of India member Suparn Sen said here.

"This year, it was a tough call because there were so many quality films in the running, `Rang De Basanti' stood out for its cinematic quality and script. It is a very contemporary film and overall we thought it would be a good choice. Now let us see what they [the Academy] think," chairman of the jury and noted filmmaker Basu Chatterjee told PTI here.

Starring Aamir Khan, Atul Kulkarni, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kapoor and Anupma Kher, the film chronicles one incident in the lives of seven youngsters as they are transformed from being carefree college students to rebelling against the system.

The film, whose songs proved big hits, won critical acclaim as well as box office success.

"Strong chance"

`Rang De Basanti' has also been considered for nomination at the Golden Globe Awards and producer Ronnie Screwala is confident about its "strong chance" at the Oscars.

"I'm delighted that `Rang De Basanti' has been chosen as India's official entry to the Academy Awards. Such movies come along only once in a generation and we shall make every effort to ensure it is seen by as wide an audience as possible internationally too," Mr. Screwala said here.

He said UTV already planned a mainline release in the U.S. in association with two major studios.

`Rang De Basanti' is the second Aamir Khan film to be chosen as India's entry to the Oscars. His earlier film, `Lagaan,' was sent as India's entry in the Foreign Film category some years ago.

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`Rang De Basanti' to be India's entry for Oscar

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