In the strongly-worded letter the FFI says it has taken `great umbrage` to the way Batra has gone about `demeaning a film` selected by an `eminent jury`.
The letter asks Batra: `Are you suggesting that you seriously believe that no one in India is capable of making a better film?`
The letter further goes on to question Batra's confidence about The Lunchbox being eminently Oscar-worthy ,wondering how the film's international distributors Sony Classics were so confident about The Lunchbox winning the Oscar.
The letter asks Batra, `Are you suggesting that the Oscar is rigged? We are taking this matter up separately with the Academy.We are lead to believe that you have a letter from Sony Classics which is the reason for your confidence.`
The FFI asks that Batra share that letter with them.
The letter goes on to say that the FFI so far ignored Batra's `constant rantings` as the `result of acute disappointment of a young boy with his debut film.` But now the FFI says it will take the matter up with the Ministry Of Information & Broadcasting since Batra in his Facebook account has accused the process of selecting the Oscar entry of being corrupt.
The letter ends with the FFI demanding an unconditional apology.
When I contacted Ritesh Batra he said, `I haven't seen the letter.`
