'2018', which was released in Telugu by the same title, was originally made in Malayalam. The epic survival drama film, revolving around the 2018 Kerala floods, is India's official entry for the Oscars of 2024. Telugu films 'Dasara' and 'Balgam' were also considered by the Film Federation of India. It was predicted that '2018' would make the cut, considering its universal sensibilities.
Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, '2018' starred Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Narain and Lal. It was released in Telugu by Geetha Arts but the response in theatres was muted.
The Malayalam original, however, was a big hit. The audience in Kerala could relate to the incidents narrated in the film due to their personal experience with the devastating floods of 2018. The caption 'Everyone is a hero' was justified by the end of the film, where the male protagonist dies while rescuing an old man. The film's background score is by Nobin Paul.
