In a move that has sent waves through the Indian film industry, the Film Federation of India announced on Monday that Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been chosen as the country’s official entry for the Oscars 2025. This decision came after careful consideration by a 13-member selection committee led by Assamese director Jahnu Barua. Rao’s satirical Hindi film emerged victorious from an impressive lineup of 29 films, including heavyweight titles like the Bollywood hit ‘Animal’, the National Award-winning Malayalam film ‘Aattam,’ and the Cannes winner ‘All We Imagine As Light’.
The selection process saw ‘Laapataa Ladies’ outshine Tamil film ‘Maharaja’, Telugu blockbusters ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ and ‘Hanu-Man’, as well as Hindi films like ‘Swatantraya Veer Savarkar’ and ‘Article 370.’ Notably, the Malayalam superhit ‘2018: Everyone is a Hero’ was India’s submission last year, paving the way for another strong contender in ‘Laapataa Ladies.’
‘Laapataa Ladies’, produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, is a delightful comedy that narrates the whimsical misadventures of two young brides who find themselves separated from their husbands during a train journey. With stars like Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan, the film offers an engaging blend of mistaken identities and laugh-out-loud moments, embodying a light-hearted satire on the concept of patriarchy.
The film initially premiered in theaters this March. Although it did not make a massive impact at the box office, it gained significant popularity following its release on an OTT platform a month later. Remarkably, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ surpassed the total viewership of ‘Animal,’ a hit film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, on the same streaming service.
Adding to its accolades, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ was screened at the Supreme Court of India a few weeks ago. The special screening was attended by families of judges and advocates, further adding to the film’s growing list of achievements.
Excitement for ‘Laapataa Ladies’ extends beyond Indian borders as it gears up for its release in Japan scheduled for October 4. Speaking about this upcoming release, Kiran Rao expressed her 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 added, “This release is a significant milestone for the film and showcases how cinema can bridge cultures through shared stories and emotions.”
Reflecting on her film’s chance at being shortlisted for the Oscars, Rao told PTI, “My dream would be fulfilled if it was, if it would go (to the 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.”
The Hindi film industry has seen a surge of quality content in recent years, making the competition particularly fierce. The fact that ‘Laapataa Ladies’ managed to rise to the top among such heavyweight contenders is a testament to its compelling narrative and exceptional craftsmanship.
This selection not only elevates the film but also puts a spotlight on Kiran Rao, marking her return to directing with a flourish. Rao’s first directorial venture, ‘Dhobi Ghat,’ part comedic satire and part poignant drama, garnered critical acclaim back in 2010. Her latest project, ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ now adds another feather to her already well-adorned cap.
As the 2025 Academy Awards approach, all eyes will be on ‘Laapataa Ladies’ to see if it can clinch a nomination, and perhaps even take home the coveted statuette. For now, the film’s journey from the heart of India to the global stage stands as a shining example of how Indian cinema is making its indelible mark worldwide.
The film’s emotionally resonant story, told through the lens of humor and societal critique, strikes a universal chord, making it a strong contender for international recognition. As Kiran Rao and her team gear up for what lies ahead, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ serves as a brilliant reminder of the power of storytelling and the unifying magic of cinema.
