As the 97th Academy Awards nominations were unveiled, Indian cinema found itself with mixed fortunes. While the much-anticipated Oscars saw the inclusion of one Indian film, Anuja, in the Best Live Action Short Film category, several major contenders were left out of the nominations entirely.

This year, despite the strong buzz surrounding Indian films like Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Putul, Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life, All We Imagine As Light, Band of Maharajas, Kanguva, The Zebras, Girls Will Be Girls, and Santosh, none of them made it to the final list of nominees. The exclusion of these titles has raised eyebrows, particularly among fans and industry insiders who had high hopes for their inclusion.

The lone Indian contender making waves at the Oscars 2025 is Anuja, a poignant short film produced by Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra. Directed by Adam J. Graves, the film follows the story of Anuja, a young girl played by Sajda Pathan, who works in a garment factory in Delhi. Anuja, along with her sister Palak (played by Ananya Shanbhag), is faced with an incredibly difficult decision that could alter the course of her life and her family’s future.

The announcement of the nominations was made today during a live-streamed ceremony hosted by actors-comedians Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang, which took place at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. The event revealed the nominees across all 24 Oscar categories.

While the exclusion of several noteworthy Indian films is disheartening for many, the success of Anuja offers a glimmer of hope for Indian cinema in the global spotlight. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O’Brien serving as the host for the star-studded event.

As the Oscars approach, the spotlight remains on Anuja, with audiences eager to see how the film will fare in the prestigious race for the gold statue.

Netflix’s The Night Agent, a runaway success in 2023, returns for a second season that expertly builds upon its predecessor’s thrilling foundation. Picking up ten months after the explosive conclusion of season one, the show plunges viewers back into the high-stakes world of Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), the earnest but resourceful FBI agent now operating as a Night Action agent.

The immediate danger is palpable; within the first fifteen minutes, Peter finds himself in a familiar predicament—surrounded by potential enemies and unsure of who to trust. This sets the stage for a season filled with suspense, double-crosses, and relentless action.

The central mystery revolves around a dangerous leak within the agency. Peter, utilizing his sharp intellect and street smarts, embarks on a perilous investigation to uncover the mole, a quest complicated by both internal and international threats. His reunion with Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan), his former girlfriend, adds another layer of complexity.

Rose, now a key asset in his investigation, helps navigate the treacherous landscape of political intrigue and espionage. A secondary plotline, focusing on suspicious activities at the Iranian mission to the United Nations, adds a further dimension to the already multifaceted narrative, broadening the scope of the conspiracy beyond the confines of the American government.

Showrunner Shawn Ryan and his writing team have once again crafted a captivating ten-episode season that maintains the addictive quality of the original. Each episode ends on a dramatic cliffhanger, keeping viewers hooked and eagerly anticipating the next installment. While some plot points may strain credulity, the show’s commitment to delivering edge-of-your-seat entertainment overshadows any concerns about realism. The increased budget is evident in the expanded filming locations; the action spills beyond the familiar streets of Washington D.C., transporting viewers to the vibrant backdrops of Bangkok and New York City, adding a visual flair to the already dynamic storytelling.

The pacing, though rapid, avoids feeling rushed, successfully balancing the constant tension with well-developed character arcs. Basso and Buchanan’s chemistry remains compelling, their performances anchored by the palpable tension and trust issues stemming from their shared trauma.

The supporting cast shines as well; the addition of Brittany Snow as Peter’s Night Action partner, Amanda Warren as his supervisor, and Arienne Mandi as the enigmatic Iranian aide, Noor, significantly enhances the overall narrative. The return of Kari Matchett as the President provides a crucial link to the previous season while simultaneously allowing the introduction of these new pivotal characters.

The knowledge that a third season is already in the works subtly alters the dynamic, easing the pressure on the main characters while simultaneously amplifying the stakes of the ongoing conspiracy. The mystery surrounding the CIA leaks, with its implications for national security, is just as gripping as the previous season’s plot to assassinate the president. Ultimately, The Night Agent Season 2 delivers another exhilarating ride, perfect for those seeking a high-octane weekend watch filled with unexpected thrills and unwavering suspense.

Indian cinema is celebrating a significant achievement at the 2025 Academy Awards. “Anuja,” a live-action short film backed by prominent Indian and international producers Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra, has earned a prestigious nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category.

This marks Monga’s third Oscar nomination, adding to her impressive track record with previous wins for “The Elephant Whisperers” and “Period: End of Sentence,” both of which brought significant accolades to Indian filmmaking.

The nomination announcement, made on Thursday by presenters Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott, highlights “Anuja’s” selection from a highly competitive pool of 180 qualifying films. The film now contends against “Alien,” “I’m Not a Robot,” “The Last Ranger,” and “A Man Who Would Not Remain Silent” for the coveted award.

“Anuja” itself is a powerful and moving narrative centered around a nine-year-old girl working in a back-alley garment factory. The film poignantly explores the challenges and resilience of working children, following the young protagonist as she confronts a crucial decision that will shape her future and her family’s destiny.

Director Adam J. Graves describes the film as “a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and untold stories of working children,” capturing the spirit of the young protagonist’s strength and vulnerability.

The production of “Anuja” is a collaborative effort, reflecting a commitment to telling authentic stories. It was produced by Graves’ wife, Suchitra Mattai, in collaboration with the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), a non-profit organization supporting street and working children founded by Mira Nair’s family.

Shine Global, known for its Oscar-winning films “War/Dance” and “Inocente,” and Krushan Naik Films also contributed to the project. The film stars Ananya Shanbhag, Sajda Pathan, and Nagesh Bhosle and boasts a strong supporting cast. While the official release date on Netflix is yet to be announced, the nomination itself ensures “Anuja” will receive significant global attention.

The 97th Oscars ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2nd. The nomination of “Anuja” marks not only a personal triumph for its creators but also a significant moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.