India has chosen the comedy film “Laapataa Ladies,” or “Lost Ladies” in English, as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards. The movie tells the story of two brides who accidentally switch places on a train ride to their husbands’ homes. This mix-up sends the women to unexpected destinations and greatly changes their lives.
Directed by Kiran Rao, “Laapataa Ladies” premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival where reviews praised it. Since then it has proven popular on the international film festival circuit. The movie stars Pratibha Ranta and Nitanshi Goel as Jaya and Phool, the two newlywed women whose faces are covered by identical red veils as they begin their journeys.
India’s selection committee picked “Laapataa Ladies” over Payal Kapadia’s drama “All We Imagine As Light,” previously seen as the front-runner after winning a top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. By choosing Rao’s lighter take on themes like identity and destiny in modern Indian society, the committee highlighted its appeal.
After releasing in theaters across India, the film gained international distribution from Yash Raj Films and later debuted on Netflix India. This broader exposure helped the movie find more audiences and upped its chances of recognition globally.
India has only seen three previous Academy Award nominations for Best International Feature – “Mother India” in 1957, “Salaam Bombay!” in 1988, and “Lagaan” in 2001. A milestone was reached at the 2023 Oscars though, when the song “Naatu Naatu” from S.S. Rajamouli’s “RRR” won for Best Original Song. The selection of “Laapataa Ladies” aims to end India’s drought in the category lasting over two decades. Its blend of humor and commentary could connect with Academy voters seeking fresh perspectives on world cinema.
Deadlines for the 96th Academy Awards are fast approaching, with the shortlist announcement on December 17, 2024 and nominations on January 17, 2025. The ceremony will be held on March 2, 2025. If “Laapataa Ladies” finds Oscar success, it could open more doors for diverse Indian stories to engage global audiences and showcase the country’s growing film industry.
