Laapataa Ladies selected as India’s official entry for Oscars
PTC News Desk: On Monday, the Film Federation of India announced that Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025. The Hindi film, a satirical take on patriarchy, will now compete in the Best International Film category at the prestigious Academy Awards.
Competing Films
Laapataa Ladies was chosen from a pool of 29 films that were under consideration. Among the contenders were major titles such as the Bollywood hit Animal, Malayalam National Award-winner Aattam, and Cannes-recognized All We Imagine As Light. The decision was made unanimously by a 13-member selection committee chaired by Assamese director Jahnu Barua.
Other notable films in the running included Tamil film Maharaja, Telugu films Kalki 2898 AD and Hanu-Man, as well as Hindi films Swatantraya Veer Savarkar and Article 370. Last year, the Malayalam blockbuster 2018: Everyone is a Hero was India’s official entry.
Laapataa Ladies’ Path to the Oscars
Following the announcement, Kiran Rao shared her excitement and gratitude. Speaking to PTI recently, she expressed her hopes for the film to be considered, stating, “My dream would be fulfilled if it went to the Oscars. But it’s a process, and I’m sure the best film will go, whoever they choose.”
Earlier, during a press screening in February, Kiran emphasized the importance of audience reception over awards. She stated, “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 also hinted at the film’s release date, stating, “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 Oscars. For now, we eagerly await the audience’s reaction on March 1, 2024.”
With Laapataa Ladies officially in the race for the Oscars, expectations are high for the film’s potential impact on the international stage.