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Kiran Rao’s film Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. This exciting announcement has created a buzz among fans and cinema lovers alike. The film, which released in theaters on March 1, 2024, tells the story of two rural brides whose lives take an unexpected turn after they accidentally swap places on a train. The cast includes Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Ravi Kisan, and Chhaya Kadam.
Why Laapataa Ladies Was Selected:
The selection committee, led by Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua, explained the reasoning behind the choice. According to Barua, the film stood out for its portrayal of India’s social systems and ethos. “The jury must consider the film that best represents India in every aspect. The ‘Indianness’ is very important, and Laapataa Ladies scored on that front,” Barua told The Indian Express. He also emphasized that the jury had a long and thoughtful deliberation process over the 29 films that were nominated, carefully considering each one before settling on Kiran Rao’s film.
Kiran Rao’s Thoughts on the Oscar Nomination:
Kiran Rao expressed her happiness and gratitude following the announcement, saying, “I am truly honored and thrilled that Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry to the Academy. She thanked her entire team for their hard work and hoped the film would resonate with global audiences as it has in India.
The film had previously premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, where it received a standing ovation. This marks Rao’s return to directing after a decade, following her acclaimed debut, Dhobi Ghat.
Reactions to the Selection:
While Laapataa Ladies celebrates its Oscar entry, some fans voice disappointment that Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light, which won at Cannes, got overlooked. Social media platforms buzz with debates about whether Kapadia’s film was “robbed” of the opportunity. However, Barua clarifies that the jury based its decision on the films presented to them, stating, “There could be a better film outside the 29 films that were nominated too. But the jury can only choose from what they have been given, right?”
Nitanshi Goel’s Celebration:
Nitanshi Goel, who plays Phool in the film, took to Instagram to share her excitement. In a heartwarming post, she quoted a line from the movie: “Phool, English mein bataayein? “I’m extremely happy and grateful that Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars!” Goel’s character in the film begins working at a tea stall after the train mix-up, and her Kalakand recipe soon becomes a hit with the locals.
In an interview with NDTV, Goel shared how overwhelmed she was by the news. “The moment I read it, I was like ‘Oh my God, is this really happening?’ and then the messages started pouring in.” Goel described how she and her mother had their fingers crossed, hoping for this outcome, and were moved to tears when the announcement was made.
Criticism of the Film Federation’s Citation:
Amidst the celebration, the Film Federation of India (FFI) faced criticism for its citation on Laapataa Ladies’ Oscars entry. The document described Indian women as “a strange mix of submission and dominance,” which sparked backlash on social media. Several users pointed out that the selection committee consisted entirely of men, further fueling the controversy.
The citation also highlighted how the film showcases the diverse roles of women, stating that it represents “a story that can simultaneously be seen as one that needs change, and one that can bring about change.” However, this did little to quell the criticism surrounding the FFI’s portrayal of Indian women.
Streaming on Netflix:
Laapataa Ladies is now available to stream on Netflix, where viewers can watch it with subtitles in English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, and Brazilian Portuguese. The film’s 2-hour runtime delivers a mix of humor, emotion, and social commentary, making it a must-watch for a global audience.
Laapataa Ladies not only attracts attention for its unique storyline and strong performances but also represents Indian cinema on a global stage. Despite mixed reactions and controversies surrounding the FFI’s citation, the film continues to shine as a true reflection of India’s diverse cultural landscape. With Kiran Rao at the helm and a dedicated cast and crew, Laapataa Ladies is ready to make its mark at the Oscars in 2025.