Cinematic thrill-seekers are in for a treat as two of India’s most explosive action films, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan,’ are set to compete on the international stage at the forthcoming Vulture’s 2023 Annual Stunt Awards, placing them head to head with international heavyweights such as ‘John Wick 4’ and ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning.’
The event, which acknowledges the unsung ‘below-the-line talent’ crucial to creating cinema’s most memorable high-octane moments, has recognized both ‘Jawan’ and ‘Pathaan’ for their distinctive contributions to action cinema, with nods in multiple categories.
‘Jawan,’ directed by Atlee, has garnered attention for its adrenaline-pumping highway chase sequence, which secured its nomination for Best Vehicular Stunt. The film’s precise choreography and heart-stopping stunts stand testament to the growing sophistication of stunt work in Indian cinema.
Meanwhile, ‘Pathaan,’ helmed by Siddharth Anand, joins the fray with a nod for Best Aerial Stunt for its electrifying jet-pack fight sequence that left audiences gripping their seats. Additionally, both films are contenders for Best Overall Action Film, with ‘Jawan’ also vying for the title of Best Stunt in an Action Film.
Nominees in the Best Stunt in an Action Film category include scenes from ‘The Equalizer 3,’ highlighting a perilous battle beneath a sheet of stained glass, and from ‘Extraction 2,’ which begins with a meticulously executed continuous shot. Other competitors for the title are ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ for its choreographically complex stair fight and fall, and ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ for its daring base jump.
The competition for Best Vehicular Stunt further showcases the incredible vehicular mastery seen in ‘Fast X’ with its Rome Car Chase, ‘Ferrari’ with the invigorating Mille Miglia Race, ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ with its Arc de Triomphe Scene, and a second nod for ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ with its own gripping Rome Car Chase.
For Best Aerial Stunt, ‘Extraction 2’s’ gripping helicopter shoot-out, ‘Godzilla Minus One’s’ death-defying plane circling scene with Godzilla, and ‘Kandahar’s’ nail-biting helicopter fight are all in competition with ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.’
Candidates for Best Overall Action Film also include ‘Ballerina,’ ‘Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant,’ ‘Extraction 2,’ ‘Fist of the Condor,’ ‘John Wick: Chapter 4,’ ‘Silent Night,’ and ‘Shin Kamen Rider,’ embodying an international mix of cinematic action mastery.
The presence of ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’ in this global line-up not only showcases the thrilling advancements Indian cinema has made in the realm of stunt coordination but also brings Hindi cinema into the limelight, demonstrating that it stands shoulder to shoulder with global behemoths in delivering edge-of-your-seat excitement.
This nomination marks a significant milestone in the recognition of Indian stunt artistry, spotlighting skilled stunt performers and coordinators who often labor in the shadow of the industry’s more visible celebrities. As fans and practitioners of the action genre alike await the outcome of the awards, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’ have already etched their mark on the world stage, signifying the burgeoning talent and ambition of Indian cinema’s action genre.
