Narendra Modi tweeted that he is 'delighted' that Gujarati movie "The Good Road" has been selected as India's entry in the best foreign film category at the Oscars.
Gujarat Chief Minister
Narendra Modi is delighted that "The Good Road", a Gujarati movie has been chosen as India's entry in the best foreign film category at the Oscars.
"Delighted to know that Gujarati film 'The Good Road' has been chosen to represent India at Oscars. Congrats to cast and crew. My best wishes," tweeted Mr Modi.
Helmed by debutante Gyan Correa, the movie, widely shot in Kutch in Gujarat, chronicles the life of three individuals travelling on a highway. It won the National Award for best feature film in Gujarati earlier this year.
It is said to be the first Gujarati film to make it to the India's shortlist for the Oscar's best foreign film category. The movie was chosen by a 16-member committee from over 21 other movies.
So far in the history of Indian cinema, only three Bollywood films, including Mehboob Khan's "Mother India" (1957), Mira Nair's "Salaam Bombay" (1988) and Ashutosh Gowariker's "Lagaan" (2001), have made it to the nomination stage of the Oscar.
Last year, Anurag Basu's "Barfi!", featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Ileana D'Cruz was sent as a contender. But it failed to make it to the top five.
The Oscar ceremony will take place March 2, 2014.