Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies Heads to the Oscars

Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India's official contender for the Oscars 2025, as revealed by the Film Federation of India on Monday. This charming Hindi satire, which cleverly critiques patriarchy, outshone 28 other films, including the blockbuster Animal, the acclaimed Aattam, and the Cannes award-winning All We Imagine As Light.

The 13-member selection committee, chaired by renowned Assamese director Jahnu Barua, unanimously celebrated Laapataa Ladies, produced by Rao and Aamir Khan, for its candid exploration of identity and tradition, making it a standout entry in the Best International Film category. Other notable films in the mix included Maharaja, Kalki 2898 AD, Hanu-Man, and the Hindi dramas Swatantraya Veer Savarkar and Article 370. Last year's submission, the Malayalam sensation 2018: Everyone is a Hero, also made waves.

Recently, Kiran said “My dream would be fulfilled if it was, if it would go (to 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,” Kiran told PTI.

Set in 2001, Laapataa Ladies weaves a delightful tale of two brides in rural India whose fates intertwine through an accidental swap during a train journey. With its heartfelt storytelling and vibrant performances, the film, released in March to critical acclaim, features a talented ensemble cast, including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastav, alongside seasoned actors Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma.