India’s first charity film directed by M. Padmakumar has got another global prestigious accolade before its theatrical release. Multiple songs from the movie are now in the contention for nominations in the Original Song Category for the 88th Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences today announced that 74 songs from eligible feature length motion pictures released in 2015 are in contention for nominations in the category.

‘Bhoomiyilenganumundo..’, ‘Kooduvaykkam..’, ‘Yaathra Manoradhamerum’ and ‘Pakalppathichari’ are the songs from Jalam that are competing for a nomination in the category. Lyrics for these songs are penned by Dr. Madhu Vasudevan and National award winning music director Ouseppachan composed the tunes that perfectly sink with the mood of the movie.

Jalam, is produced by Aries Group. The movie’s cast includes Priyanka Nair, Jain Syriac, Prakash Bare, Sethulakshmi and P. Balachandran. Jalam movie revolves around a young woman who struggles to own a piece of land to live in. “We are all happy with the Academy’s announcement, with this, we will be heading forward to the nomination campaign for Oscars”, said Mr. Sohan Roy, the producer and CEO of Aries Group while responding to the declaration made by the Academy.

Prior to its release, Jalam has been screened at the All Lights India International Film Festival which held at Kochi. Screened in a packed theatre, the film had earned rave reviews among the national and international delegates at the festival.

With having a total of four songs selected by the academy, the movie Jalam raises India’s hope at the Oscar race for nominations in the original song category.

The 88th Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 14, 2016.