Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars under the foreign film category. The announcement was made on Monday by the Film Federation of India. The film was selected by a panel of 13 jury members and it competed with 29 titles. The light-hearted social satire got picked out 29 film titles. This includes hits like ‘Animal,’ ‘Kill,’ ‘Kalki 2898 AD,’ ‘Srikanth,’ ‘Chandu Champion,’ and ‘Article 370’ among others. Notably, the film also competed with the Malayalam film ‘Aattam,’ which won the National Award for Best Feature Film. Moreover, it competed with Payal Kapadia’s Cannes winner, ‘All We Imagine As Light.’

‘Laapataa Ladies’ is India’s official entry to the Oscars in the Best Foreign Film Category 2025. pic.twitter.com/2gjzgzsDDJ

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2024

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The film, helmed by Kiran Rao starred budding talents Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ratna, and Sparsh Shrivastava in lead roles. Additionally, popular actor Ravi Kishan played a key role. The film focuses on the lives of two wives who get separated from their husbands after an unintended swap occurs at the train station. The story focuses on how the women grapple with the circumstances and learn to depend on themselves. They embarked on the quest to find themselves and what they seek, be it reunion, or independence.

Although the film received a lukewarm response at the box office, it garnered immense acclaim after it was added to the streaming platform, Netflix. The film was lauded by viewers and critics alike for its refreshing, simple, and nuanced portrayal of gender dynamics and the need to foster gender equality. Featuring a touch of tasteful humour, the film managed to convey its central idea in a relatable, authentic, and nuanced manner without unnecessarily glossing over the subject. ‘Laapataa Ladies’ highlighted the inherent issues in patriarchy in a subtle and relatable manner.

Recently, Kiran told the media that the Film Federation of India (FFI) will pick the best film soon. “My dream would be fulfilled 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.”

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Meanwhile, in a press conference in February, ahead of the film’s release, the filmmaker said, “Our primary recognition comes from the audience’s response at the box office. If the viewers and the nation appreciate our work, that would be the greatest accolade for us.” She added, “There is a specific community tasked with assessing and selecting the finest films of the year. And if our film is deemed worthy, we will submit it for the prestigious Oscars. However, for now, we are eagerly anticipating the recognition we are yet to receive on March 1, 2024, (referring to the film’s release).”