Kiran Rao’s film Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars, as confirmed by the Film Federation of India on Monday.
The film was in competition with several high-profile productions, including Animal featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Chandu Champion starring Kartik Aaryan, Sam Bahadur with Vicky Kaushal, Rajkummar Rao’s Shrikanth, the Malayalam National Award winner Aattam, and the Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light.
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In a previous statement to PTI, Kiran Rao expressed her hope for Laapataa Ladies to be chosen for the Oscars, saying, “My dream would be fulfilled if it was selected. But it’s a process, and I’m hoping Laapataa Ladies will be considered. I’m sure the best film will be chosen, regardless of the outcome.”
However, back in February, Kiran emphasized the importance of box office success, stating during a press screening, “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.”
Regarding the Oscars, she acknowledged that the selection process is beyond her control, noting, “There is a specific community responsible for assessing and selecting the best films of the year, and if our film is considered worthy, we will submit it for the prestigious Oscars. For now, we are eagerly awaiting the recognition we hope to receive on March 1, 2024.”
Laapataa Ladies, set for Oscar submission in 2025, tells the story of two young brides, Phool and Jaya, who are mistakenly swapped on their journey to their husbands’ homes. The film explores their quest for identity in a patriarchal society while critiquing longstanding traditions that hinder women’s growth.
The cast includes Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastav, alongside Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma.
