A 14-member jury, constituted by the Film Federation of India, has chosen Newton, a 2017 Indian Hindi-language black comedy film, as India’s entry for Oscars this year.

Directed by Amit V Masurkar, Newton is Masurkar’s second feature after his debut film Sulemani Keeda, a slacker comedy, in 2013.

The jury, headed by noted film personality CV Reddy, zeroed in on Newton as India’s entry for Oscars, after watching 26 films from various Indian languages and deliberating at length on the merits of the films that had entered the competition.

After its world premiere in the Forum section of the 67th Berlin International Film Festival, Newton is set to have its North American premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival where it screens in the International Narrative Competition section.

“Very happy to share this news that #NEWTON is India’s official entry to the #OSCARS this year. Congratulations team,” tweeted actor Rajkumar Rao, who plays the lead role in the film.

Congratulating Rajkumar Rao and other team members of Newton over its selection as India’s entry for Oscars, senior actor Akshay Kumar tweeted: Newton #as India’s official entry to the Oscars!Congratulations @aanandlrai @RajkummarRao and team, can imagine the joy you’ll must be feeling.”

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan had earlier appreciated the film, by tweeting: “Saw the film Newton .. its stark reality was a treat to watch ! An eye opener .. on many aspects .. !!”

The plot of Newton revolves around Newton Kumar ( played by Rajkumar Rao), a rookie government clerk is sent on election duty to a naxal-controlled town in the conflict-ridden jungles of Chhattisgarh, India. Faced with the apathy of security forces and the looming fear of guerrilla attacks by communist rebels, he tries his best to conduct free and fair voting despite the odds stacked against him.

TN Raghunatha