The Malayalam movie "2018" has been selected as India's official entry for the Oscars, according to the news agency PTI. Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, the movie, subtitled "Everyone is A Hero," tells the survival story set against the backdrop of the devastating floods that struck Kerala in 2018.

The movie features an ensemble cast, including Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Narain, Lal, Aju Varghese, Joy Mathew, Jayakrishnan, Shebin Bakar, Indrans, Sudheesh, Siddiqueetc.

"2018" which premiered in May this year, garnered critical acclaim while achieving significant success collecting over 100 crore at the box office.

It holds the distinction of being the highest-grossing Malayalam movie of all time and is one of the top earners in Indian cinema this year.

The Malayalam movie will compete in the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category at the Oscars, formerly known as ‘Best Foreign movie’.

Mohanlal's "Guru" achieved the distinction of becoming the first Malayalam movie to secure an Oscar entry, while in 2020, Lijo Jose Pellissery's "Jellikattu" also received this prestigious recognition.

No Indian entry however has received an Oscar nomination in the 'Best International Feature Film' category since "Lagaan" in 2002. "Mother India" and Mira Nair's "Salaam Bombay!" are the only other Indian movies that have reached the final five nominees in the past.

In the previous year, India's official Oscar entry, "Chhello Show," did not secure a nomination. Indian moviemakers however did win two awards, with "Naatu Naatu" from "RRR" receiving the Best Original Song award, and "The Elephant Whisperers" being honored as the Best Documentary Short Subject.