KOZHIKODE: The story line of Slumdog Millionaire', based on Mumbai slums, should not be a subject of debate despite it depicting reality, Oscar awardee Resul Pookutty said `As a sound mixing technician, I really do not want to say anything on the story or screenplay. But let me ask if films like `Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Hum' are the realities', he said at a meet-the-press programme, organised by the Calicut Press Club, here yesterday. He also said he did not want to join issue with some of the film personalities who had expressed regret over showing India in a poor light in the movie.

By winning the Oscar,' we (Pookutty and A R Rahman) have now erased the opinion that in technical field, particularly sound, our country is lagging internationally', Pookutty said.

Noting that to get an Oscar nomination, a film made anywhere had to be compulsorily filmed in American cinemas, he said Indian films made in regional languages therefore had little choice. `Of course, we can continue to compete for a place in 'foreign category' films', he said.

Recalling the last week before receiving the Oscar, he said he spent sleepless nights and even had a bout of fever.

`When the cover was opened and my name was announced, it was an unbelievable experience and complete black out for me', Pookutty said, adding even the next day he pinched himself to believe that he had won the Oscar.

Asked if Malayalam films could aspire for Oscars, he said `even if Malayalam movies do not get it, certainly Malayalees can'.