Kiran Rao’s piquant Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official submission for the Oscars 2025. This prestigious announcement was made by the jury of the Film Federation of India (FFI) on Monday, September 23. The FFI, as the primary body responsible for selecting the Indian official entry each year, recognized Laapataa Ladies for its intriguing and engaging narrative, earning it this notable distinction in the category of Best International Feature Film.
Laapataa Ladies, Rao’s second directorial venture after the highly acclaimed Dhobi Ghat in 2011, released in theatres in March and swiftly made its mark. The satirical comedy-drama unravels the captivating tale of a young man whose bride gets mistakenly swapped with another’s, weaving a seamless blend of humor and drama. The movie stars Sparsh Shrivastava and features a talented ensemble including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan. It draws from the prize-winning screenplay, Two Brides, by Biplab Goswami, adding layers of cultural and emotional richness to its storyline.
The FFI jury, chaired by Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua, extolled the film’s portrayal of Indian women, emphasizing their intricate blend of submission and dominance. “Indian women are a strange mixture of submission and dominance. Well-defined, powerful characters in one world, Laapataa Ladies (Hindi) captures this diversity perfectly, though in a semi-idyllic world and in a tongue-and-cheek way. It shows you that women can happily desire to be home makers as well as rebel and be entrepreneurially inclined,” their citation read. “A story that can simultaneously be seen as one that needs change, and one that can bring about change. Laapataa Ladies (Hindi) is a film that can engage, entertain and make sense not just to women in India but universally as well.”
Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies is a creation produced by Jio Studios, Aamir Khan Productions, and Kindling Pictures, all reputable entities in the Indian film industry.
. The film had its world premiere at the esteemed 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, marking its significance on the international stage. Following its theatrical release in March, Laapataa Ladies has continued to captivate audiences and is currently available for streaming on Netflix, further broadening its reach.
In response to the selection, Rao expressed her excitement and deep appreciation. “I am deeply honored and delighted that our film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards,” Rao stated. “This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope that this film will resonate with audiences across the world, just as it has in India.” Her words reflect the collective effort and fervor that went into the making of this film, and the hope that it will continue to touch hearts globally.
This year’s selection process was notably competitive, with a total of 29 films vying for this prestigious spot. Among the contenders were Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine as Light and the widely acclaimed Malayalam drama Aattam. Each film brought its unique narrative and distinct cinematic flavor, elevating the overall standard of the competition.
India’s history with the Academy Awards includes several notable entries, however, the last nomination for Best International Feature was for the film Lagaan in 2001, which also featured protagonist Aamir Khan, a significant producer behind Laapataa Ladies. This long gap amplifies the excitement and significance of Laapataa Ladies’ selection, as it rekindles hope for another Oscar nod.
The 97th Academy Awards ceremonies are scheduled to take place in 2025 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, US, marking a significant event for the filmmakers and the nation alike, as they anticipate the global stage.
Published – September 23, 2024 01:18 pm IST
Indian cinema
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Hindi cinema
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World cinema
