In an exciting announcement, Kiran Rao’s directorial ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has secured its place as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, as disclosed by the Film Federation of India on Monday. Widely celebrated for its light-hearted yet thought-provoking satire on patriarchy, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ emerged victoriously from a highly competitive pool of 29 films, including notable entries such as the Bollywood favorite ‘Animal’, Malayalam National Award-winning ‘Aattam’, and Cannes sensation ‘All We Imagine As Light’.
The film, co-produced by renowned actors Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan, captivated the 13-member selection committee led by Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua, who unanimously voted for it as the contender in the Best International Film category at the forthcoming Academy Awards.
Among the notable films ‘Laapataa Ladies’ outperformed are the Tamil title ‘Maharaja’, Telugu movies ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ and ‘Hanu-Man’, and Hindi films ‘Swatantraya Veer Savarkar’ and ‘Article 370’. The Malayalam blockbuster ‘2018: Everyone is a Hero’, which was India’s submission the previous year, also highlighted the competitive nature of the selection process.
‘Laapataa Ladies’ unravels the humorous and chaotic journey of two young brides who find themselves in a series of hilarious situations after being separated from their husbands on the same train. The ensemble cast consisting of Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan deliver sterling performances that weave a tale of mistaken identities and uproarious escapades.
Initially released in theaters in March of this year, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ did not experience overwhelming box office success. However, its subsequent release on an OTT platform catapulted its popularity, surpassing even Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s blockbuster ‘Animal’ in overall viewership numbers. This resurgence in digital popularity amidst a more concentrated audience has been a silver lining for the film.
In a notable instance of the film reaching influential circles, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ was screened at the Supreme Court a few weeks back, a private event graced by the families of judges and advocates. This endorsement by the nation’s judiciary further solidified the film’s cultural impact and moral relevance.
In addition to its domestic accolades, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is gearing up to carve a niche on the international stage.
. The film is set to release in Japan on October 4, a move that Kiran Rao describes as a “full-circle moment” owing to her admiration for Japanese cinema. Rao expresses deep enthusiasm, stating, “As an admirer of Japanese cinema, this feels like a full-circle moment. I’ve always had a deep interest in Japanese culture, and I hope the film’s emotional core will resonate with Japanese audiences just as it did with ours.” She adds, “This release is a significant milestone for the film and showcases how cinema can bridge cultures through shared stories and emotions.”
Reflecting on the profound journey of her film and its potential future recognition, Rao shared her aspirational thoughts with PTI, “My dream would be fulfilled if it was, if it would go (to Oscars). But it’s a process, and I’m hoping it’ll (Laapataa Ladies) be considered. I’m sure the best film will go, whoever they choose in the scheme of things.”
‘Laapataa Ladies’ triumphing over other heavyweight contenders like ‘Animal’, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, ‘Aattam’, and others, brings a new spotlight on Kiran Rao’s directorial prowess. The film’s official entry into the Oscars entails a rigorous campaign ahead, aiming for recognition in one of the industry’s most prestigious platforms—an endeavor certainly championed by its universal theme and unique comedic lens on societal norms.
With the Academy Awards on the horizon, the Indian film fraternity watches eagerly as ‘Laapataa Ladies’ steps onto the global stage, representing not just a film but a narrative rich in cultural introspection and universal relatability. The journey ahead is filled with anticipation, and the selection itself stands as a testament to the film’s unique charm and impactful storytelling.
As ‘Laapataa Ladies’ carves its path toward the Oscars, the Indian audience is bracing itself for the potential historical win that could bring unprecedented pride to Indian cinema.
