23 september 2024 : Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, as announced by the Film Federation of India on Monday.
Which Films Were Considered?
The Hindi film, a light-hearted satire on patriarchy, was chosen from a pool of 29 contenders, which included the Bollywood hit Animal, the Malayalam National Award winner Aattam, and the Cannes winner All We Imagine As Light.
The decision was made unanimously by a 13-member committee led by Assamese director Jahnu Barua, who selected Laapataa Ladies to represent India in the Best International Film category at the Academy Awards. Other films in the running included Tamil film Maharaja, Telugu titles Kalki 2898 AD and Hanu-Man, and Hindi films Swatantraya Veer Savarkar and Article 370.
Last year, the Malayalam blockbuster 2018: Everyone is a Hero was submitted for consideration.
Laapataa Ladies’ Oscar Aspirations
Kiran expressed her hopes for the film’s success at the Oscars, stating, “My dream would be fulfilled if it was chosen to go (to the Oscars). But it’s a process, and I’m hopeful Laapataa Ladies will be considered.” She emphasized that the audience’s reception at the box office is the most important recognition for her team.
At a press screening earlier in February, Kiran highlighted the significance of audience appreciation, noting, “If the viewers and the nation appreciate our work, that would be the greatest accolade for us.” She mentioned that a dedicated community evaluates the finest films of the year and if deemed worthy, they would submit Laapataa Ladies for the prestigious Oscars.
Laapataa Ladies tells the heartwarming story of two brides in rural India in 2001 who accidentally swap places during a train journey. Produced by Rao’s Kindling Productions and Aamir Khan Productions, the film received critical acclaim upon its release in March. It features Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastav in lead roles, alongside Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma.
