'Laapataa Ladies' chosen as India’s official entry for Oscars 2025

Kiran Rao’s film Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards, competing in the Best International Feature Film category. This decision was made by the Film Federation of India (FFI), who announced the news on Monday. The Hindi film, a satirical take on patriarchy, emerged as the top choice among 29 contenders.

Among the movies vying for the spot were Animal, a Bollywood hit; Aattam, the Malayalam film that bagged a National Award; and All We Imagine As Light, a Cannes winner. The FFI’s 13-member selection committee, led by celebrated Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua, unanimously selected Laapataa Ladies, a film produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, to represent India.

Other notable films that were part of the selection process included Tamil movie Maharaja, the much-anticipated Telugu films Kalki 2898 AD and Hanu-Man, as well as Hindi titles Swatantraya Veer Savarkar and Article 370.

Rao, in a prior interview, had expressed her wish for Laapataa Ladies to be considered for the Oscars. “It would be a dream come true if my film was chosen,” she said, emphasizing her faith in the FFI’s decision to select the most deserving entry.

Laapataa Ladies is set in rural India in 2001 and tells the story of two young brides who are accidentally switched during a train journey. This heartwarming narrative explores themes of identity and empowerment. Produced by Kiran Rao’s Kindling Productions and Aamir Khan Productions, the film was released in March this year to widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike.

Featuring performances by Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, Ravi Kishan, and others, the film has been praised for its genuine portrayal of rural life and its gentle satire on societal norms. Its relatable and authentic storytelling resonated deeply with viewers, making it a strong contender on the global stage.