5 Oscar-Nominated Malayalam Gems on OTT Platforms

'Adaminte Makan Abu' is a critically acclaimed Malayalam film released in 2011. Directed by Salim Ahamed, the film tells the poignant story of an elderly Muslim couple, Abu and Aishumma, who embark on a pilgrimage to Hajj in Mecca. The film explores their struggles, aspirations, and the challenges they face in fulfilling their lifelong dream. The movie received widespread acclaim for its powerful performances, especially by Salim Kumar, who portrayed Abu, and Zarina Wahab, who played Aishumma. The film won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film and four Kerala State Film Awards. It also gained international recognition and was selected as India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 84th Academy Awards (Oscars).

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Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery and released in 2019, the film is based on the short story 'Maoist' by S. Hareesh. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling, stunning visuals, and powerful performances. It was selected as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 93rd Academy Awards (Oscars), making it the third Malayalam film to be chosen for this prestigious honor. Though it didn't win the Oscar, its nomination brought significant attention to the talent and creativity of the Malayalam film industry on the global stage.

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'2018', starring Tovino Thomas in the lead, was announced as India's official entry for the 96th Oscars in September in 2023. The movie narrates the story of the devastating Kerala floods in 2018. According to the makers, the film has earned over ₹200 crore at the box office to become the highest-grossing film in Malayalam cinema.

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Sohan Roy, the director of the film, is also an entrepreneur and naval architect. "Dam 999" was his directorial debut and garnered attention for its technical aspects and visual effects. While the film faced some controversies, it also received recognition for its unique narrative style and storytelling. It's worth noting that 'Dam 999' was not a major commercial success, but it did receive some international attention, particularly when it was selected as India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 84th Academy Awards (Oscars). However, it didn't make it to the final nomination list for the Oscars.

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Adapted from Shakespeare's classic "Macbeth," the film "Veeram" earned a nomination for the Original Song category at the 89th Academy Awards for its soundtrack, 'We Will Rise.' The music, composed by Jeff Roan, recognized for his contributions to films like 'Phantom,' 'God of Water,' and 'Traffic III,' features vocals by Kari Kimmel. Directed and scripted by Jayaraj, the movie stars Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor, debuting in Malayalam cinema in a significant role.

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