Chennai: In a significant move, Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies” has been named as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025. The Film Federation of India made this highly anticipated announcement on Monday. The Hindi film, known for its whimsical satire on patriarchy, was selected from a competitive list of 29 films. This list included notable titles such as Bollywood blockbuster “Animal”, Malayalam National Award winner “Aattam”, and Cannes winner “All We Imagine As Light”.
The selection process was overseen by a 13-member committee helmed by renowned Assamese director Jahnu Barua. The committee, after careful deliberation, arrived at a unanimous decision to nominate “Laapataa Ladies”. The film, backed by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao’s production houses, will represent India in the Best International Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards.
“Laapataa Ladies” was not the sole contender in this race. Hindi film “Srikanth”, Tamil films “Vaazhai” and “Thangalaan”, and Malayalam film “Ullozhukku” were among the top five films vying for the prestigious nomination. The film, however, stood out due to its universal appeal and critical acclaim.
Released in March, “Laapataa Ladies” received widespread praise for its heartwarming story and subtle critique of societal norms. Set in the rural landscapes of India in 2001, the film narrates the story of two brides who accidentally get swapped during a train journey. The story’s charm is amplified by the stellar performances of Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastav, who play the pivotal roles. Supporting actors Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma also delivered laudable performances.
The film had its illustrious world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, further cementing its reputation on the international stage. “Laapataa Ladies” is a collaborative effort between Rao’s Kindling Productions, Aamir Khan Productions, and Jio Studios.
. The film’s journey from an acclaimed festival piece to India’s Oscar entry is a matter of great pride for the entire team.
Tamil film “Maharaja”, Telugu films “Kalki 2898 AD” and “Hanu-Man”, and Hindi films “Swatantraya Veer Savarkar” and “Article 370” were also part of the list of 29 submissions evaluated by the selection committee.
It is noteworthy that no Indian film has secured a nomination in the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars since “Lagaan” in 2002, which also starred Aamir Khan. Only two other Indian films, the Nargis-starrer “Mother India” and Mira Nair’s “Salaam Bombay!”, have made it to the final five in the history of the Academy Awards.
Last year’s submission, the Malayalam superhit “2018: Everyone is a Hero”, represented India but did not manage to secure a nomination at the Oscars.
The Film Federation of India, chaired by Jahnu Barua, emphasized the importance of “Laapataa Ladies” in the broader narrative of Indian cinema. They praised the film for its strong storyline, excellent direction, and powerful performances. Barua noted that the decision was not easy given the high quality of submissions this year, but “Laapataa Ladies” distinguished itself with its unique approach to storytelling and societal commentary.
As the Indian film industry continues to evolve and produce remarkable content, the selection of “Laapataa Ladies” highlights the importance of narratives that challenge societal norms and provide a voice to the often underrepresented rural populace.
Kiran Rao, who directed the film, expressed her immense gratitude and excitement upon hearing the news. She said, “It is a huge honor for all of us associated with ‘Laapataa Ladies’. We are thrilled that our film has resonated with audiences and critics alike and now, has the chance to represent India on such a prestigious platform.”
Aamir Khan, who co-produced the film, echoed these sentiments, stating, “This is a moment of great pride for all of us. Our goal was always to tell a story that is both meaningful and entertaining, and to have it recognized at this level is extremely gratifying.”
As “Laapataa Ladies” gears up for its journey to the Oscars, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. The film’s selection is a testament to the rich tapestry of stories that Indian cinema continues to weave, resonating with audiences both domestically and internationally.
