"Pebbles", India's official entry in the international feature film category at the 2022 Academy Awards, is out of the Oscars race. On the other hand, Indian documentary feature "Writing With Fire" has entered the next round, according to the shortlists announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences early Wednesday.

Critically-acclaimed "Pebbles", or "Koozhangal" in Tamil, is helmed by first-time director Vinothraj PS. The drama follows an alcoholic abusive husband who, after his long-suffering wife runs off, sets out with his young son to find her and bring her back. In the international feature film category, 15 films are still in the running for the top prize. Films from 92 countries were eligible in the category.