Laapataa Ladies Best International Feature: India’s journey to the Oscars 2025 faced a setback as Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies (retitled Lost Ladies for the international audience) failed to make it to the coveted shortlist in the Best International Feature category. The announcement, made on December 17, dashed hopes for India’s official entry, which was selected over Payal Kapadia‘s Cannes Grand Prix-winning All We Imagine As Light.
While India’s hopes rest elsewhere, a film featuring Indian actors, titled Santosh, representing the UK, has made it to the shortlist, keeping a piece of India on the global stage.
Why Laapataa Ladies Was India’s Choice
Laapata Ladies, a coming-of-age comedy-drama set in rural India, tells the unique story of two young brides who are accidently swapped on their wedding day and separated from their respective husbands. The film, set in 2001 in the fictional state of Nirmal Pradesh, featuring Ravi Kishan as a determined police officer investigating the case. Based on an award-wining story by Biplab Goswami, the movie captures the nuances of Indian society and the challenges faced by women.
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The selection committee, chaired by Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua, praised the film for “perfectly capturing the diversity of Indian women.” Chosen from 29 entries spanning multiple Indian languages, laapataa Ladies edged out some stellar contenders, including All We Imagine As Light.
The film produced under Aamir Khan Productions, Kindling Pictures, and Jio Studios, stars Ntanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, Chhaya Kadam, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma alongside Ravi Kishan.
Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao’s Oscar Campaign
Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao left no stone unturned in promoting Laapataa Ladies internationally. For weeks, the duo actively campaigned in the US, hosting screenings to garner support for the Academy’s consideration. Earlier this month, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón hosted a special screening as part of the film’s BAFTA campaign. Despite their tireless efforts, the film couldn’t secure a place among the 15 shortlisted entries.
Who Made the Cut?
The Best International Feature shortlist features some powerhouse entries from across the globe. These are the 15 films advancing to the next round;
- Brazil: I’m Still Here
- Canada: Universal Language
- Czech Republic: Waves
- Denmark: The Girl with the Needle
- France: Emilia Pérez
- Germany: The Seed of the Sacred Fig
- Iceland: Touch
- Ireland: Kneecap
- Italy: Vermiglio
- Latvia: Flow
- Norway: Armand
- Palestine: From Ground Zero
- Senegal: Dahomey
- Thailand: How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies
- United Kingdom: Santosh
Among these, the UK’s Santosh has piqued Indian interest, as it features Indian actors, keeping the nation partially represented in the Oscar race.
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