Telugu superstars Ram Charan, Jr NTR invited to join Oscar committee

In a significant development, Telugu superstars Ram Charan and Jr NTR have received invitations to join the prestigious membership of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. The invitations were extended to them following the historic Oscar win for their blockbuster film, RRR. The movie, directed by SS Rajamouli, made history by clinching an Academy Award for its sensational dance number, Naatu Naatu . Recognising the talent and contribution of the film's cast and crew, the Academy also extended invitations to composer MM Keeravani, songwriter Chandrabose, cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar, and production designer Sabu Cyril, among the 398 new invitees that encompass filmmakers and producers from around the world.

The Academy has also invited Indian filmmakers Mani Ratnam and Karan Johar. If all the invitees accept the membership, its total strength will rise to 10,817. Of which 9,375 will be eligible to vote. 

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RRR became an important film in the history of Indian cinema by expanding the reach of mainstream Indian movies to new heights. The cast and crew of RRR tirelessly promoted the film, effectively raising the profile of Indian cinema in the lead-up to this year's Oscars.

RRR made its theatrical debut in March of last year, garnering an overwhelming response from audiences and providing a much-needed boost to the box office, which was grappling with the impact of the pandemic. The film's global ticket sales surpassed Rs 1000 crore, becoming Rajamouli's second consecutive film to achieve this feat. However, it found a new lease of life when it became available for streaming on Netflix. Western audience and popular members of the Hollywood film fraternity discovered the movie on the streaming service and heaped praises on it. The film's popularity spread like wildfire, even prompting a historic re-release in the cinemas across the United States.