'Laapataa Ladies': India's Film Nominated for Oscar 2025

Film Overview and Plot

• Directed by Kiran Rao, produced by Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions.
• Set in rural India, following the journey of two brides, Phool and Jaya, who accidentally swap places on a train.
• Cast includes Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Ravi Kisan, and Chhaya Kadam.
• Runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes.
• Based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami.
• Screenplay and dialogue by Sneha Desai, with additional dialogues by Divyanidhi Sharma.

Oscar Nomination and Selection Process

• Officially nominated for Oscars 2025 in the Best Foreign Film Category.
• Selected by the Film Federation of India (FFI) from 22 entries (12 Hindi, 6 Tamil, 4 Malayalam).
• 13-member jury led by filmmaker Jahnu Barua made the selection.
• Competed against notable films like "Animal," "Kill," "Kalki 2898 AD," "Srikanth," and "All We Imagine As Light."
• Selection praised for showcasing independent cinema and diverse storytelling.

Film Journey and Reception

• Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2023, receiving a standing ovation.
• Theatrical release in India on March 1, 2024.
• Garnered critical acclaim from both critics and audiences.
• Found new fanbase after release on Netflix.
• Available on Netflix with subtitles in English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, and Brazilian Portuguese.
• Kiran Rao expressed deep honor and delight at the film's selection.
• Aamir Khan called it the "happiest news" and praised Rao and her team.

Controversy and Impact

• FFI's citation document sparked controversy for describing Indian women as a "strange mix of submission and dominance."
• Social media users criticized the definition and pointed out that the selection committee consisted of 13 men.
• Despite controversy, the film is recognized for its fresh perspective and as a platform for new talent.
• Highlights the growing importance of indie films in representing India globally.
• Demonstrates the impact of digital platforms in amplifying a film's reach.
• Rao hopes the film will resonate with audiences worldwide.