In a significant development for Indian cinema, ‘Laapataa Ladies’, directed by Kiran Rao and produced under Aamir Khan Productions, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars) 2025 in the Foreign Film Category. This announcement was made by the Film Federation of India (FFI) on September 23, marking a moment of pride for the Indian film industry. The film, which initially hit theaters on March 1, 2023, gained both critical and public acclaim. With a modest budget of ₹5 crore, the movie managed to gross an impressive ₹25 crore worldwide.
‘Laapataa Ladies’ wasn’t just another film that came and went. Before its theatrical release, it made waves on the international stage by being showcased at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film’s unique storyline, set in rural India, and its fresh narrative style captivated the audience both locally and globally.
This year, the competition to represent India at the Oscars was fierce. Out of a pool of 29 films, which included big names like ‘Sam Bahadur’ starring Vicky Kaushal, ‘Animal’ featuring Ranbir Kapoor, and ‘Chandu Champion’ with Kartik Aaryan, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ stood out. Under the leadership of FFI selection committee chairman Jahnu Barua, the 13-member jury picked the film based on its unique storytelling and cultural relevance.
‘Laapataa Ladies’ tells the tale of two brides who mysteriously go missing after boarding a train. Set during a wedding season in rural India, the film introduces us to two grooms who accidentally switch their brides during a train journey, leading to a series of humorous and dramatic events. One of the grooms, Deepak, unknowingly brings home the wrong bride, Pushpa, while his actual wife, Phool, remains stranded at the station. This unexpected mix-up drives the film’s narrative, highlighting the societal norms surrounding identity, tradition, and marriage.
The premise is simple yet powerful, shedding light on the complexities of arranged marriages and the significance of appearance in traditional Indian settings. The film questions: What if the brides weren’t veiled? Would they still have gone missing? This intriguing question resonates throughout the movie, blending comedy, drama, and social commentary.
Director Kiran Rao’s Vision and Team’s Dedication
In a heartfelt statement after the announcement, Kiran Rao, the director, expressed her immense pride and joy. “I am truly honored that our film, ‘Laapataa Ladies’, has been chosen to represent India at the Oscars. This achievement is the result of the hard work and dedication of my entire team, who brought this story to life with such passion and energy,” she said. Rao further extended her gratitude to the selection committee and Aamir Khan Productions, as well as to the audience, who appreciated the film for its authenticity and entertainment value.
India’s Oscar Journey: A Look Back
While India has had a rich history of films representing the country in the Foreign Film Category at the Oscars, none have yet won the coveted trophy. Notably, only three Indian films—Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2001)—have been nominated in this category. Unfortunately, despite these nominations, no Indian film has won the award yet. However, with ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ the hopes are high that India might finally bring home the prestigious Oscar in this category.
The journey for ‘Laapataa Ladies’ doesn’t end here. While it has been selected as India’s official entry, the film will now compete with entries from other countries. The Oscar jury will review all the submissions and shortlist select films for nominations. The final nominations will be announced on January 17, 2025, and the Oscar Award Ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025.
Other Films in the Race
Besides ‘Laapataa Ladies’, some other notable films that were in contention for India’s official entry include:
•‘Hanuman’
•‘Kalki 2898 AD’
•‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’
•‘Good Luck’
•‘Gharat Ganpati’
•‘Maidan’
•‘Zoram’
Whether ‘Laapataa Ladies’ wins the Oscar or not, its selection is already a victory for Indian cinema. This film, with its 5-crore budget and 25-crore box office collection, has proven that meaningful cinema doesn’t always require massive budgets. Its authentic portrayal of Indian culture and traditions, combined with its humorous yet thought-provoking narrative, makes it a strong contender for the global stage.
As the world gears up for the 2025 Academy Awards, all eyes will be on Kiran Rao, her talented cast, and crew. With the support of Aamir Khan Productions and a stellar performance at the international box office, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has the potential to make a significant mark at the Oscars, bringing India one step closer to its long-awaited Oscar victory.
