Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Selected as India’s Official Submission for Oscars 2025
Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed film Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official submission for the Oscars 2025, as announced by the Film Federation of India (FFI) on Monday, September 23. The selection was made by the FFI jury, the official body responsible for choosing India’s entry for the prestigious Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Laapataa Ladies, which hit theatres in March 2024, marks Rao’s second directorial venture following her 2011 film Dhobi Ghat. The satirical comedy-drama centers on a man whose bride accidentally gets swapped with someone else’s. The film stars Sparsh Shrivastava, Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan. It is based on Biplab Goswami’s award-winning screenplay Two Brides.
In their official statement, the FFI jury praised the film for its portrayal of Indian women, calling them “a unique blend of submission and dominance.” The jury noted that the film captures the diversity of women’s roles in society, presenting them both as homemakers and entrepreneurs in a light-hearted yet thought-provoking manner. “Laapataa Ladies engages, entertains, and resonates not just with Indian women but universally as well,” they said. The 13-member jury was chaired by renowned Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua.
Produced by Jio Studios, Aamir Khan Productions, and Kindling Pictures, Laapataa Ladies had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival before releasing in Indian theatres in March 2024. The film is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Expressing her gratitude, Rao said in a statement, “I am deeply honored and thrilled that Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of my entire team. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts and transcend boundaries, and I hope this film continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.”
This year, 29 films were considered for India’s Oscar submission, including Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine as Light and the Malayalam drama Aattam. India’s last nomination for Best International Feature at the Oscars was for Lagaan in 2001.
The 97th Academy Awards will take place in 2025 in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
