India has officially selected Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars. The Film Federation of India (FFI) made the announcement after considering a list of 29 films, which included Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal and the National Award-winning Aattam. The selection committee, chaired by noted filmmaker Jahnu Barua, chose Laapataa Ladies for its compelling narrative that highlights issues of gender equality and women’s empowerment in rural India.
Set in the mid-2000s, Laapataa Ladies tells the story of two young women who go missing from a train, leading to a series of events that shed light on the experiences and challenges faced by women in rural India. With its unique blend of humor and social commentary, the film explores themes of identity, freedom, and societal expectations. Co-produced by Aamir Khan, the film has been praised for its strong performances by actors like Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Ravi Kishan, and its fresh, satirical approach to serious issues.
Kiran Rao, who is making a return to directing after her 2011 debut Dhobi Ghat, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. The film, currently streaming on Netflix, has garnered critical acclaim for its originality and potential to resonate with international audiences. This recognition comes at a crucial time for Indian cinema, which has been increasingly striving for a stronger presence at prestigious global platforms like the Academy Awards.
The selection of Laapataa Ladies over high-profile films like Animal reflects the growing appreciation for stories that tackle social issues in innovative and entertaining ways. If the film secures a nomination, it will continue India’s ongoing journey at the Oscars, where the country has previously seen entries like Lagaan (2001) and RRR (2022) gain international recognition(Telegraph India)
