It was a proud moment for the entire Kollywood and the Tamil movie buffs when director Vetrimaran's path-breaking film 'Visaranai' was nominated by the Indian Government as its official entry for the prestigious 89th Oscar Academy Awards, 2017.

The film produced by Dhanush under his Wunderbar Films and Vetrimaran's Grass Root Film Company is one among the total 85 submissions for the award under the 'Best Foreign Language Film' category. Now it has been officially confirmed that the film is out of the Oscar race as it has not been shortlisted.

Nine films have been shortlisted by the panel. Out of these nine five films will go as the final nominees for the Oscar, The final five nominees will be announced on January 24, 2017.

It is a hard luck moment for the 'Visaranai' crew. It is also a huge disappointment for the Tamil film fraternity as well as movie lovers. But we can be quite confident that Vetrimaran will keep pushing the envelope and bring home the much coveted Oscar Award for an Indian Film in the near future.

It is to be noted the prior to release 'Visaranai' was screened in the Competitive category of Venice International Film Festival. It was also screened in a few other prestigious International Films Festival and received phenomenal critical acclaim. The film also won three National Awards- Best Tamil Film, Best Supporting actor for Samuthirakani and Best Editing for the late Editor Kishore T.E.

The shortlisted films for the 89th oscar foreign language category pic.twitter.com/wOD83Y5l40

— Vetri Maaran (@VetriMaaran) December 16, 2016