Yogi Babu's critically acclaimed political satire, Mandela has been shortlisted for India's official entry to the Oscars 2022 and this development has indeed come as big news for the Tamil audience. Mandela is one of the 14 films that have been shortlisted for India's entry to the Academy Awards. Well known filmmaker Shaji N Karun is the Chairman of the Jury that will watch all the 14 films and select one as India's official entry to the Oscars for the category of Best International Feature Film. The Jury will consist of 15 members who are expected to watch the 14 shortlisted films at Bikoli Cinema, Kolkata, very soon.

Apart from Mandela, films like Nayattu (Malayalam), Vidya Balan's Sherni (Hindi), and Vicky Kaushal's Sardar Udham (Hindi) are also in contention. The Academy Awards 2022 will be held in March 2022 in the US and the fans are eagerly waiting to know which film among the 14 will make it to the final list. Mandela features Yogi Babu in the lead role and is directed by debutant Madonne Ashwin. The film which featured Sheela Rajkumar, Sangili Murugan, GM Sundar, and Kanna Ravi in supporting roles, has music scored by Bharath Sankar.

Produced by Sashikanth's Y Not Studios and Balaji Mohan's Open Window Productions, in association with Reliance Entertainment and Wishberry Films, Mandela has cinematography by Vidhu Ayyana and editing by Philomin Raj. Mandela had a direct television premiere on Vijay TV and OTT release on Netflix on April 4. Mandela deals with the story of a barber whose vote will decide the fate of a local body election. The film opened to highly positive reviews from the critics and audience and the film, now getting shortlisted for the Oscar race is indeed a proud moment for Tamil cinema.

Wishes have been pouring in from all quarters for the young and talented team of Mandela.