Marathi film 'Harishchandrachi Factory' is India's Oscar entry

Mumbai, Sep 20 (IANS) Marathi film 'Harishchandrachi Factory', Mumbai-based theatre actor-director Paresh Mokashi's debut movie, will be India's official entry for the Oscars.

Mokashi told IANS Sunday that his film has been nominated by the Film Federation of India as the country's official entry in the Foreign Language Film category.

The movie is on the making of 'Raja Harishchandra', India's first full length feature film made in 1913 by the pioneer of Indian cinema Dadasaheb Phalke.

Mokashi's low-budget period film was completed in January. It has bagged a series of international awards and honours. 'The film is to be released in India soon,' the 40-year-old said.

'I will start campaigning for my film for the Oscars from next month. Aamir Khan, Ashutosh Gowariker and 'Shwaas' director Sandeep Sawant will help me in the promotion as they are experienced hands,' he said.

This is the second Marathi film after 'Shwaas' to be nominated by India for an Oscar in five years. 'Shwaas' was Sandeep Sawant's directorial debut.