Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Selected as India’s Entry for Oscars 2025

Kiran Rao‘s directorial effort, ‘Laapataa Ladies‘, has been officially selected as India’s entry for the 97th Academy Awards in 2025. This announcement was made by the Film Federation of India (FFI), the nation’s responsible body for selecting films for the prestigious Oscars.

The film, produced by Aamir Khan and featuring a talented cast including Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Srivastava, and Nitanshi Goel, explores life in rural India through the eyes of two brides who inadvertently exchange places during a train journey. Through its narrative, the film delves into the complex issues surrounding gender roles, education, and empowerment within a patriarchal society.

‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been praised for its mix of humor, emotional depth, and social commentary. Since its release in March, it has received critical acclaim and has been well-received on the OTT platform Netflix. The film is also set to have a theatrical release in Japan.

Director Kiran Rao, renowned for her prior work on ‘Dhobi Ghat’, expressed her excitement at the film’s selection, stating to the Press Trust of India, “It has long been my dream to see one of my films represent India at the Academy Awards.” She acknowledged the competitive nature of the selection process but remains hopeful about its chances.

Produced by Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ continues Kiran Rao’s tradition of creating content that entertains while also addressing critical social issues. The film’s central message of women’s empowerment and gender equality is expected to resonate with audiences worldwide.

The film emerged victorious over 29 other selections from India, marking a significant step for Indian cinema on the global stage. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will be held in March next year.