Kiran Rao's 'Laapataa Ladies' is India's Oscars 2025 entry
Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India's entry for the 2025 Oscars, the Film Federation of India announced on Monday. The film will compete in the Best Foreign Film category. It was one of the 29 entries considered, including Ranbir Kapoor's controversial action film, Animal. LL challenges patriarchal norms through a comedic narrative—which has been well-received by critics and audiences alike.
'Laapataa Ladies' left behind 'All We Imagine as Light'
The Aamir Khan-produced venture emerged victorious by defeating other popular candidates such as the Cannes winner All We Imagine as Light and the Malayalam National Award winner Aattam. Tamil film Maharaja, Telugu movies Kalki 2898 AD and Hanu-Man, as well as the Hindi titles Swatantraya Veer Savarkar and Article 370 were also in the list.
Jury explained reason behind the selection
According to reports, the decision to send Laapataa Ladies ahead was unanimous from the jury. A citation by the jury members explaining the reason behind the selection was also released. "Indian women are a strange mixture of submission and dominance. Well-defined, powerful characters in one world, Laapataa Ladies (Hindi) captures this diversity perfectly, though in a semi-idyllic world and in a tongue-in-cheek way."
My dream would be fulfilled: Rao had confessed
Just recently, Rao spoke about her acclaimed film making it to the Academy Awards. Speaking to PTI, she had 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."
Meanwhile, it was a heartbreak for 'All We Imagine...'
While Laapataa Ladies gained popularity among masses and critics alike, the selection is disheartening for Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine as Light, which became the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. However, all is not lost as it was shortlisted by France for Oscars.
