On Monday, September 23, 2024, the jury members of the Film  Federation of India selected Laapataa Ladies as an official entry for the Oscars in the category of Best Foreign Film.

Kiran Rao’s comedy of errors, Laapataa Ladies is set to represent India in the Oscars 2025 in the Best International Feature category. The film was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival last year and gathered critical appreciation for its storyline as well as for the representation of rural Indian society.

Interestingly, Lapaataa Ladies has gathered a lot of fame for its overall portrayal. However, it is also receiving a backlash as it snubbed Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light which was the first Indian film to play in competition at Cannes in 30 years and was even shortlisted by France’s Oscar committee.

Kiran Rao’s film Laapataa Ladies was selected this year for Oscars Despite its success at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and its box office success in India, it may be considered disappointing to some, especially those outside the Indian film industry. Indeed, all expectations and critics were in favor of All We Imagine as Light, which broke a 30-year curse for India at Cannes, won the Grand Jury Prize, and suddenly elevated its director Payal Kapadia from documentary film director status to that of a famous author.

Laapataa Ladies captures the essence of small-town India with humor, heart, and a unique perspective on gender dynamics. On the mainland, the beauty of the film lies in its honest depiction of women caught in the web of social expectations and their search for identity in the face of adversity. The characters, though odd and flawed, resonate with the audience as they transcend the constraints placed upon them by tradition and patriarchy. With dramatic performances and a story that balances calm and dark moments, Laapataa Ladies offers a fresh perspective on the struggles of women in modern India.

The World stands out not only for its compelling story but for its ability to create meaningful conversations about identity and gender. Set in rural India, Laapataa Ladies follows two brides, Phool Kumari(Nitanshi Goel) and Jaya (Pratibha Ratna), who accidentally swap places on a train journey because of their ‘ghoonghat’ or veil. This film examines the problem of women’s identity and ignores them. The film, which premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, received positive reviews from critics and audiences. This international show has laid a solid foundation for its Oscar campaign and is set as a strong candidate for international recognition. Backed by Jio Studios, Aamir Khan Productions, and Kindling Pictures, the film is currently streaming on Netflix and expanding its reach.

The piquant film features a brilliant cast that includes Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ratna,Spash Shrivastava, Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, Satendra Soni, and many more in stellar roles that take away the audience’s heart. The movie is based on the dusty streets of Madhya Pradesh. The selection of this film for the Academy Awards is significant and a sign of the return of Indian films to the international stage.