Kolkata: P S Vinothraj’s Tamil film “Koozhangal (Pebbles)” has been chosen as the Indian entry for the Oscars 2022 Best International Feature Film category, reports Priyanka Dasgupta.

The decision was announced in Kolkata on Saturday by director Shaji N Karun, who chaired the jury comprising Ananya Chatterjee, Indraadip Dasgupta, Arghyakamal Mitra, Ruma Sengupta, Sumit Basu, Pampally, AVM K Shanmugam, P Sukumar, Naganna, G Bhageeradha, Vipul Mehta, Ravindra Jadhav, Umamaheshwar Rao and Navaniat Singh.

Soon after the announcement, Vinothraj tweeted saying: “Could not be more happier to receive this news!!! Feeling really grateful for all the love and support!! (sic)”.

Shaji pointed out that the selection process had become “more complex” since the Best International Feature Film was now also eligible to compete for Best Picture at the Oscars. According to him, “Koozhangal” had been made on a “smaller budget” but was a “cinematic achievement”.

“There were no dissent notes in choosing the Indian entry,” Shaji added.