The Film Federation Of India (FFI) on Monday confirmed that ‘Laapata Ladies’ is India’s official entry to the 97th Academy Awards, set to take place on 3rd March, next year.
The movie was released earlier this year on OTT platform Netflix. Presented by Jio Studios, ‘Laapata Ladies’ is directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao and Jyoti Deshpande. The rural set drama beat 29 other movies from India to enter the Oscars 2025 race.
The 13-member selection committee headed by Assamese director Jahnu Barua decided on ‘Laapata Ladies’ for reckoning in the best international film category at the Academy Awards.
The story of the film revolves around two rural Indian brides who accidently switch places during a train ride in 2001. The film brings attention to issues faced by women in Rural India, especially when it comes to gender roles, education and empowerment.
This film gives a unique storytelling experience with the talented actors such as Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kasam and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma.
The primary aim of ‘Laapata Ladies’ is not only to entertain but also to promote change. Through the tale of these two rural brides, Kiran Rao manages to bring forth a conversation about women’s empowerment, gender equality and the struggles that rural women in India face daily. This film speaks to the heart, and its empowering message is likely to inspire many more conversations in the future.
Kiran Rao, a well known figure in the Indian Film industry has always been a creative force to reckon with. Ahead of the announcement by the FFI, in an interview with PTI, director Kiran Rao expressed her desire to see ‘Laapata Ladies’ as India’s official entry to the Oscars.
Kiran Rao told PTI, “My dream would be fulfilled if it was, if it would go (to Oscars). But it’s a process, and I’m hoping it’ll (Laapata Ladies) be considered. I’m sure the best film will go, whoever they choose in the scheme of things”.
Kiran Rao previously worked on celebrated films like Monsoon Wedding, Lagaan, Swadesh carries forward her commitment to meaningful cinema with ‘Laapata Ladies’.