Rahul Rawail Exits India’s Oscar Selection Jury

Filmmaker Rahul Rawail resigns from Oscars selection jury that chose ‘Court’ as India’s official entry for Oscars.

Rahul Rawail resigns from his post citing differences with chairperson Amol Palekar. (Photo: YouTube)

On the day Marathi film ‘Court’ got selected as India’s official entry for Oscars, filmmaker Rahul Rawail has resigned from his post citing differences with chairperson Amol Palekar. He was a part of the selection jury that chose Court.

Rawail, however, clarified that he was not against the selection of the Marathi film and the decision to choose Court was unanimous but was upset with the way Palekar behaved.

Palekar could not be reached for a comment but Supran Sen, secretary general of Film Federation of India (FFI), which selects the Oscar entry, called Rawail’s claims “ridiculous”.

‘Court’ was a unanimous decision. You can manipulate one or two people not all the members of the jury. I think they had a personal problem and it does not have to do with ‘Court’. His statement is ridiculous.
— Supran Sen, secretary general of Film Federation of India (FFI)

Sen was asked whether Rawail was angry at Palekar for pushing the Marathi film. Rawail is known for directing films like Love Story, Betaab, Anjaam and Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya.