India has chosen its official contender for the Oscars 2025 in the best international feature film category: Laapataa Ladies, a film directed by Kiran Rao. The selection was made by a 13-member committee headed by renowned Assamese director Jahnu Barua, with unanimous support. Produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, Laapataa Ladies will represent India at the prestigious Academy Awards, joining the elite list of films vying for global recognition.
A Milestone for Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan
This is a celebratory moment for the entire team of Laapataa Ladies, including Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan. The announcement was made official by the Film Federation of India, creating a buzz across the film industry. The film, featuring lead actors Nitanshi Goel, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Pratibha Ranta, stands out for its insightful portrayal of patriarchy, delivered with a touch of humor.
Chosen from a competitive list of 29 films, Laapataa Ladies triumphed over some highly anticipated titles, including the Bollywood blockbuster Animal, Malayalam National Award-winner Aattam, and Cannes winner All We Imagine As Light.
Competing Films for Oscars 2025 Entry
The competition was intense. Among the films considered for India’s entry were Tamil cinema’s Maharaja, Telugu films Kalki 2898 AD and HanuMan, and Hindi films such as Swatantraya Veer Savarkar and Article 370. However, the committee’s decision was unanimous—Laapataa Ladies stood out for its strong narrative and social relevance, representing a distinctive voice in Indian cinema.
For those unfamiliar, last year’s submission was the Malayalam hit 2018: Everyone is a Hero, which gained significant attention.
Box Office Journey of Laapataa Ladies
Released on March 1, Laapataa Ladies had a slow start at the box office, opening with just ₹75 lakh. However, thanks to positive word-of-mouth and glowing reviews, the film quickly gained momentum. By the end of its opening weekend, it had grossed nearly ₹4 crore, and by the end of its first week, it collected ₹6.05 crore. After 50 days in theaters, the film’s total collection stood at ₹17.31 crore.
A Look Behind the Scenes of Laapataa Ladies
Laapataa Ladies is presented by Jio Studios and produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions. Directed by Kiran Rao, the film is based on an award-winning story written by Biplab Goswami. The screenplay and dialogues are penned by Sneha Desai, with additional dialogue contributions from Divyanidhi Sharma.
With such strong creative backing and a powerful script, Laapataa Ladies emerged as a clear contender, embodying the richness of Indian storytelling.
The Significance of the Selection
Kiran Rao, in a recent statement, expressed her delight over the film’s selection, while acknowledging the weight of the journey ahead. She noted that while the Oscars are an important milestone, the most meaningful recognition comes from the audience. At a press screening in February, she mentioned, “Our primary recognition comes from the audience’s response at the box office. If the viewers and the nation appreciate our work, that would be the greatest accolade for us.”
Rao’s modest outlook highlights her passion for meaningful cinema. While she is hopeful that Laapataa Ladies will go the distance at the Academy Awards, she remains grounded, valuing the film’s impact on its domestic audience above all.
The Path Ahead for Laapataa Ladies
As India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, Laapataa Ladies embarks on an exciting yet challenging journey. The film’s ability to balance humor with a hard-hitting critique of patriarchy gives it a unique edge. Indian cinema has been garnering more attention on the global stage in recent years, and Laapataa Ladies seems poised to further elevate the country’s cinematic presence.
While the road to the Oscars is paved with stiff competition from around the world, Laapataa Ladies holds its ground with a compelling narrative, standout performances, and socially relevant themes. Whether or not it clinches the coveted award, the film’s selection marks a significant achievement for Indian cinema, reflecting a new wave of storytelling that resonates both locally and internationally.
In conclusion, Laapataa Ladies has already made its mark by being selected as India’s official entry to the 2025 Academy Awards. It carries the hopes of millions of cinema lovers who eagerly await the outcome of this global recognition. Regardless of the results, the film will undoubtedly be remembered as a milestone in Kiran Rao’s career and a testament to the power of socially conscious cinema.
