Blitz Bureau
FILMMAKER Kiran Rao’s comedy-drama ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been chosen as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025 in the Best Foreign Film Category. Confirming this, the Film Federation of India said that a 13-member select committee headed by Assamese director Jahnu Barua unanimously decided on the film, produced by Aamir Khan and Rao.
The jury chose ‘Laapataa Ladies’ from 29 films, including this year’s Cannes grand Prix winner the much lauded ‘All We Imagine as Light’. Juri’s citation stated, “Well-defined, powerful characters in one world LAAPATAA LADIES perfectly capture the diversity of Indian women, which is a strange mixture of submission and dominance”.
The film is a slice-of-life comedy about the misadventures of two young brides who become separated on the same train but with different grooms. It is a blend of mistaken identities and laugh-outloud escapades. The film was also premiered at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, where it received a standing ovation from the audience.
“I am deeply honoured and delighted that our film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life,” Kiran Rao said
