In a significant development for Indian cinema, Kiran Rao’s directorial venture ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025, as announced by the Film Federation of India on Monday. This delightful Hindi satire, produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, emerged victorious from a competitive list of 29 films including Bollywood heavyweights like ‘Animal,’ the Malayalam National Award winner ‘Aattam,’ and the Cannes award-winning ‘All We Imagine As Light.’
The decision was made by a 13-member selection committee, helmed by Assamese director Jahnu Barua. The committee found unanimous agreement in choosing ‘Laapataa Ladies’ to be in contention for the Best International Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Beating an array of strong contenders from different regions and languages of India, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ trumped films like the Tamil movie ‘Maharaja,’ Telugu titles ‘Kalki 2898 AD,’ and ‘Hanu-Man,’ as well as Hindi films ‘Swatantraya Veer Savarkar’ and ‘Article 370.’ Notably, the Malayalam superhit ‘2018: Everyone is a Hero’ was the country’s choice last year, setting high expectations for this year’s entry.
The film is a humorous take on patriarchy, told through the misadventures of two young brides who get separated from their respective husbands on the same train. Portrayed by Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan, their journey is filled with mistaken identities and numerous comical escapades.
Released in theaters in March of this year, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ initially faced an underwhelming box office response. However, upon its release on an OTT platform a month later, the film garnered widespread appreciation. Remarkably, it even surpassed the viewership numbers of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s blockbuster ‘Animal’ on the streaming service.
In a notable accolade, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ was recently screened at the Supreme Court, an event attended by the families of judges and advocates. Now, gearing up for its release in Japan on October 4, Kiran Rao expressed her excitement. “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,” stated Rao.
She added that this release is a significant milestone for the film, showcasing cinema’s ability to bridge cultures through shared stories and emotions.
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On the film’s chances of being shortlisted for the Oscars, Rao remarked to PTI, “My dream would be fulfilled if ‘Laapataa Ladies’ gets shortlisted for the Oscars. It’s a process, and I’m hopeful it will be considered. I’m confident that the best film will be chosen, no matter who it is in the larger scheme of things.”
The announcement has brought renewed focus on Kiran Rao, best known for her previous directorial effort ‘Dhobi Ghat.’ The filmmaker-turned-producer is no stranger to accolades but acknowledges that being India’s official entry to the Oscars is an honor of a different magnitude. “It validates the hard work of the entire team and reaffirms our belief in the story we wanted to tell,” she told reporters.
Aamir Khan, the co-producer and renowned actor, shared his excitement on social media platforms. “Delighted and proud that ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been chosen as India’s official entry for the Oscars. It is a testament to the collaborative effort of everyone involved,” Khan tweeted.
The Film Federation’s decision is seen as a watershed moment for light-hearted, narrative-driven films often overshadowed by big-budget extravaganzas. ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ with its strong script and engaging performances, serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling untethered by commercial pressures.
Enthusiasts and cinephiles alike are now waiting to see how ‘Laapataa Ladies’ fares on the global stage. The road to the Oscars is often fraught with challenges, but the selection itself shines a spotlight on the rich diversity and potential of Indian cinema.
As ‘Laapataa Ladies’ prepares for its potential Oscar run, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of an industry eager to make its mark internationally. Whether it makes the final cut or not, the film has already succeeded in telling a charming story that resonates far and wide.
