Hollywood film director Sir Sohan Roy is a visionary in the Indian film industry. A passionate filmmaker, he always dreamt of promoting Indian Film Industry globally. He has worked tirelessly to open the doors of the Oscar awards for Indian Films & Filmmakers. His efforts have finally paid off, as India won two Oscars in 2023 for the Best Song and Documentary Short film categories.
Sohan Roy’s journey to the Oscars started in 2011 when he directed and produced his maiden film DAM999. Distributed by Warner Bros., the movie got shortlisted for the Oscars race in 5 categories, including – Best Picture, Original Score, and Original Song (3 songs). The shortlisting was a significant achievement, as it was the first time in the 100-year history of the Indian film industry that an Indian filmmaker attempted to make a movie in Hollywood format in India and took it to the Oscars. Although Indians won the Oscar award earlier for their performances, these films were not Indian movies.
Sohan Roy’s commitment to the Indian film industry did not stop with DAM999. He has supported 29 movies from India to contend for the Oscars in the last ten years through his USD 10 billion-dollar Indian Film Industry upgradation and integration project, Indywood. His efforts have been instrumental in promoting the Indian film industry and creating opportunities for Indian filmmakers to showcase their talents globally.
Nevertheless, Sohan Roy is not the first Indian filmmaker to make Hollywood Movie in India. The great Indian film director Shri. Satyajit Rai initiated such an attempt in 1963 with his project “Alien.” But unfortunately, it was scrapped in 1975, leaving his dream unfulfilled. However, Sohan Roy’s efforts were unique. He attempted to make a movie in Hollywood format and took charge of the Direction, Script, Lyrics, production, and Global Distribution. He also laid the foundation for world-class studios, Dual4K giant screen Theatre, Animation Studio, International Film Magazines, Film Festivals, Film Market, Investor Meets, Talent Hunts, Glassless 3D technology, Film Clubs, etc. His commitment and dedication are what make him a visionary filmmaker.
Sohan Roy’s dream journey to the Oscars was not an easy one. It was an 11-year-old struggle, but he never gave up on his dream. Although the two movies – Kantara and Rocketry, which he supported this year- didn’t make it to the final list, his efforts to take Indian Cinema to the Oscars have finally borne fruit. Sir Sohan Roy is a proud Indian filmmaker today, as the path he built is helping Indian movies and filmmakers to get recognized in the international film industry circle. His contribution to the Indian film industry will continue to inspire young filmmakers for generations to come.
