Laapataa Ladies Oscars: Kiran Rao’s latest film, Laapataa Ladies, has achieved a significant milestone as it has been chosen as India’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The film is backed by Aamir Khan Productions, and Aamir Khan, Rao’s ex-husband, expressed his pride and gratitude for the recognition.
Aamir Khan, in his statement, said, “We are all so happy with the news. I am so proud of Kiran and her entire team. I would like to thank the selection committee of the Film Federation of India, which chose our film to represent India at the Oscars,” as quoted by ANI.
A Journey of Recognition and Hope
Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies is set in rural India and narrates the unique story of two brides who are accidentally swapped during a train journey. This mix-up leads them on a path of self-discovery amidst a humorous and challenging situation. The film, which showcases the essence of Indian culture with a contemporary narrative, has garnered immense love from both the audience and critics alike.
Lauding the team and collaborators, Aamir Khan added, “Thanks to both Jio and Netflix, who have been great partners to work with. I am so happy that all our hard work has paid off. Thank you, everyone. Here’s hoping that Laapataa Ladies wins the hearts of the members of the Academy.”
The film is also set to release theatrically in Japan this year, further expanding its global reach.
A Long Wait for an Oscar Nod
While India has seen remarkable entries over the years, it has been over two decades since an Indian film secured an Oscar nomination in the Best International Feature Film category. The last successful entry was Aamir Khan’s Lagaan in 2002. Recent entries like Chhello Show, Koozhangal, Jallikattu, and Gully Boy didn’t make the cut. However, the hopes are high with Laapataa Ladies potentially breaking this dry spell.
Aamir Khan Productions, in an official post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed their gratitude: “A heartfelt thanks to the Film Federation of India selection committee for choosing our film Laapataa Ladies to represent India at the Oscars! We are immensely grateful to our audiences, the media, and the film fraternity for their overwhelming love and support for Laapataa Ladies.”
— Aamir Khan Productions (@AKPPL_Official) September 23, 2024
A Glorious Year for Indian Cinema
Though the Best International Feature Film category has eluded India recently, 2023 was a proud year for Indian cinema at the Oscars. SS Rajamouli’s RRR track Naatu Naatu made history by winning Best Original Song, while The Elephant Whisperers won Best Documentary Short Subject. Additionally, Shaunak Sen’s All That Breathes was nominated for Best Documentary Feature.
With Laapataa Ladies, the Indian film industry and audiences alike are hopeful that 2025 might finally bring home an Oscar.
