Chennai: In a dazzling announcement that has set the film industry abuzz, Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies” has been officially selected as India’s entry for the Oscars 2025. The Film Federation of India made this highly-anticipated declaration on Monday, solidifying the film’s status as a major cinematic achievement of the year. “Laapataa Ladies,” a Hindi film that serves as a light-hearted satire on patriarchy, has emerged as the chosen one from an impressive list of 29 films. Among these contenders were Bollywood hit “Animal,” Malayalam National Award winner “Aattam,” and Cannes winner “All We Imagine As Light.”
The selection committee, which includes 13 distinguished members under the stewardship of Assamese director Jahnu Barua, “unanimously” chose “Laapataa Ladies” for the coveted best international film category at the Academy Awards. This collaboration between Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, along with their respective productions, has set high expectations for India’s representation at the global stage.
Aside from “Laapataa Ladies,” the top five films in the 29-title list comprise Hindi film “Srikanth,” Tamil movies “Vaazhai” and “Thangalaan,” and Malayalam film “Ullozhukku.” These films showcased the cultural and thematic diversity of Indian cinema, but ultimately, it was Rao’s film that bagged the official entry.
First released in March, “Laapataa Ladies” garnered universal acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The film, rooted in the cultural and social setting of rural India in 2001, tells the heartwarming and empowering story of two brides who get accidentally swapped during a train journey. Rao co-produced the film under her banner, Kindling Productions, in collaboration with Aamir Khan Productions and Jio Studios.
The film features a stellar cast, including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastav in pivotal roles. They are joined by celebrated actors Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma. “Laapataa Ladies” had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, further intensifying the buzz surrounding its Oscar contention.
In addition to “Laapataa Ladies,” other notable films such as Tamil film “Maharaja,” Telugu titles “Kalki 2898 AD” and “Hanu-Man,” and Hindi films like “Swatantraya Veer Savarkar” and “Article 370” were also part of the initial list. However, Rao’s film managed to capture the imagination of the jury and secure its place as India’s representative for Oscars 2025.
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India’s history with the Oscars has seen its share of highs and lows. No Indian film has made it to the final nominations for the best international feature film category since the Aamir Khan-starrer “Lagaan” in 2002. Prior to “Lagaan,” only two films had managed to secure a spot in the final five: the Nargis-starrer “Mother India” and Mira Nair’s “Salaam Bombay!” This selection marks a significant opportunity for India to break the long-standing dry spell and make an indelible mark on the international stage.
In parallel, last year saw the Malayalam superhit “2018: Everyone is a Hero” getting selected, although it did not manage to make it to the final nominations. The consistent effort to bring forth diverse narratives to an international audience highlights the growing ambition and quality of Indian cinema.
Expectations are riding high on “Laapataa Ladies” as it embarks on this prestigious journey. With its story deeply entrenched in the societal norms of early 21st-century rural India, the film delivers not only entertainment but also a poignant commentary on patriarchy and social dynamics, executed with humor and sensitivity.
The buzz around the film has been amplified by its ensemble cast and creative vision. Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastav have delivered powerful performances that resonate with the audience, supported by seasoned actors Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma. This blend of fresh talent and experienced actors has contributed significantly to the film’s acclaim and success.
As India sends “Laapataa Ladies” to the Oscars, there’s palpable excitement and patriotic fervor, with many hoping the film will break new ground and earn a nomination. The film’s universal themes and relatable characters make it a strong contender on the international stage. With this selection, Indian cinema once again stands poised to captivate audiences and critics alike, showcasing its storytelling prowess to the world.
In conclusion, the selection of “Laapataa Ladies” as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025 is not just a testament to Kiran Rao’s directorial vision and storytelling but also a reflection of the rich, diverse, and evolving landscape of Indian cinema. The country eagerly awaits the Oscars ceremony, hoping this film will resonate with the Academy and secure a place in the world’s most prestigious film awards.
