Kiran Rao’s latest directorial venture, Laapataa Ladies, has officially been selected as India’s entry for the 2025 Academy Awards (Oscars) in the Best International Feature Film category. This announcement, made on September 23, 2024, by the Film Federation of India, marks a significant moment for Indian cinema. Laapataa Ladies, a light-hearted satire that addresses patriarchy in rural India, managed to beat major contenders like Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal, Kartik Aaryan’s Chandu Champion, and Vicky Kaushal’s Sam Bahadur, to clinch this prestigious spot.
The Plot of Laapataa Ladies
Set in 2001 rural India, Laapataa Ladies follows the journey of two young brides, Phool and Jaya, who get accidentally swapped during a train journey on their way to their husband’s home. The story navigates their experiences in a patriarchal society as they search for their identity and try to reunite with their families. The film is backed by Aamir Khan Productions, Kindling Productions, and Jio Studios, and features Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastav in the lead roles, along with veteran actors Ravi Kishan and Chhaya Kadam.
Kiran Rao’s Dream Fulfilled
In previous interviews, Kiran Rao expressed her dream of seeing Laapataa Ladies at the Oscars, stating that having one of her films represent India on such a global stage would be a dream come true. While she emphasized the importance of audience reception and box office collections, she admitted that having her work recognized internationally would be an incredible honor. Now, with the official announcement of Laapataa Ladies as India’s entry to the 97th Academy Awards, Kiran’s dream is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Competing Against Major Contenders
Choosing the official entry for India involved a tough competition among 29 shortlisted films, including major Bollywood and regional cinema hits. Apart from Laapataa Ladies, films like Animal, Aattam, and All We Imagine As Light were also in the running. Ultimately, the 13-member jury, chaired by acclaimed Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua, unanimously chose Laapataa Ladies for its unique blend of humor, emotion, and social relevance.
International Acclaim
Laapataa Ladies had already garnered significant attention internationally even before its Oscars selection. It had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received rave reviews for its heartwarming and empowering narrative. The film’s portrayal of two women fighting against a patriarchal system resonated with both domestic and global audiences, making it a strong contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars.
Looking Forward: Oscars 2025
India has a long history of sending films to the Oscars, but only a few have made it to the final nominations. Films like Mother India, Salaam Bombay!, and Lagaan are among the only three Indian films that have been nominated in the Best International Feature Film category. With its compelling storyline and Kiran Rao’s nuanced direction, Laapataa Ladies holds promise to be India’s next big hope for clinching the prestigious Academy Award.
Conclusion: A New Milestone for Indian Cinema
With Laapataa Ladies officially entering the race for the Oscars 2025, Indian cinema takes another bold step onto the global stage. The film’s satirical take on deep-rooted social issues like patriarchy, combined with its humor and touching narrative, makes it a standout. As the film gears up for the awards season, both fans and critics are excited to see how it fares in the highly competitive Best International Feature Film category.
This recognition not only highlights Kiran Rao’s skill as a filmmaker but also shines a light on the evolving narrative of Indian cinema, one that continues to break barriers and gain international acclaim.
