Vasanthabalan's reality film 'Angadi Theru' lost to Peepli Live in the race to be India's official entry to this year’s Oscar Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
The decision to send the Bollywood film 'Peepli Live' was announced by the selection committee chairman KS Sethumadhavan in Chennai on Friday.
There were five Tamil films out of the initially shortlisted 27 Indian films. Singam, Angadi Theru, Madrasapattinam, Raavanan and Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya. Notable other language films were Paa, Raajneeti, My Name is Khan, Three Idiots and Pazhassi Raja.
In the end Aamir Khan produced 'Peepli Live' was chosen saying "the film is a reflection of India’s culture and ethos, even as it highlights the burning problem — farmer suicides."
Sources said 'Angadi Theru' gave stiff competition to Peepli Live during the selection process. How ever the social satire managed to win over Angadi Theru.
Peepli Live is a satire about the farmer suicides in India and how the media and politicians handle the issue to their evil gains. The film sends across a strong social message with subtle humour. It is directed by journalist Anusha Rizvi and produced by Aamir Khan.