2018 : Everyone is a Hero, India’s Oscar Entry, Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, is about Anoop, a former military officer who withdrew from service due to the trauma of witnessing soldiers’ deaths in combat, is currently employed at a small store owned by the visually impaired Bhasi. Anoop’s affection is directed towards Manju, a teacher who recently joined the local government school. The two are contemplating marriage. Anoop aspires to travel to Dubai and enlists the help of his friend Rameshan to secure a visa. The story also follows the trajectory of Shaji, a government officer overseeing disaster management, who grapples with missing fishermen following a severe storm at sea.
Following is Bijan Tehrani video interview with Jude Anthany Joseph, Director of 2018 : Everyone is a Hero:
Mathachan, a fisherman, and his family play a significant role, in rescuing lost fishermen and engaging in family conflicts. Nixon, Mathachan’s son, defies his family’s fishing heritage and pursues a modeling career, leading to complications in his romantic relationship with Jiji, the daughter of a businessman named Chandy. However, Nixon retured to help his family when the floods hit, overcoming his differences with his father. Anoop’s plans for his impending wedding are disrupted by the onset of heavy rainfall and floods.
The floods devastate the region, causing widespread chaos. Various characters, including Shaji, and Anoop, become involved in rescue efforts. Mathachan and his son Winston employ their boats to aid stranded villagers, while Anoop constructs a makeshift boat to contribute to the relief efforts. Tragedy strikes when Mathachan loses his life during a rescue operation.
Koshy, a taxi driver assigned to show a Polish couple around the city, finds himself trapped by the floods. He and the Polish couple seek refuge in Anoop’s house.
Anoop’s heroic acts extend to aiding Air Force officers in saving a pregnant woman and attempting to rescue a distressed family. He also saves the blind shopkeeper Bhasi, who was stuck at his house. Anoop calls out to Bhasi and manages to save him. Unfortunately, Anoop’s own life is claimed by the floodwaters while saving others, leaving a legacy of selflessness. As the floodwaters recede, the community honors Anoop’s sacrifices by erecting a monument in his memory. The narrative concludes with a poignant scene involving Bhasi, the blind shopkeeper, the pregnant woman, and her daughter, highlighting the enduring impact of Anoop’s actions.
Jude Anthany Joseph was born Sijo Joseph. He legally changed his name to Jude Anthany Joseph in 2014, over his affinity towards Jude the Apostle. He is graduated in B-tech Electronics & Communication Engineering from LBS Engineering College, Kasaragod in 2005. He was working as a Software Engineer in Infosys Bangalore & Trivandrum before he joined as Assistant Director in Malayalam films. He has won Kerala State Award for the Best Popular movie for his directorial debut. He has also won several awards for his all films including Critics award. He was a victim of the flood which happened in 2018 in Kerala, he lost his Vehicle in flood, his belongings and he ran away with his family to his sister’s place. Later he came back to his house and decided to make this survival story of Kerala into a film so that it will be globally reached. He consulted many people including people from UNESCO to discuss about the global warming effect on this flood and consulted various victims before he finished the 12th draft of the script.