Here’s some exciting news! Kiran Rao’s brilliant Laapataa Ladies is India’s official entry to the 97th Academy Awards. The critically and audience acclaimed drama beat 29 other movies from India to enter the Oscars 2025 race.
The Film Federation of India (FFI) on Monday confirmed that the Kiran Rao directorial Laapataa Ladies is their pick to be considered for the Best International Feature Film nominees list. The Jio Studios film, co-produced by Aamir Khan along with Rao, garnered rave reviews upon its release from audiences and critics due to its outstanding story and fabulous performances.
Featuring Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan, the film, a delightful comedy about the misadventures of two young brides riding on the same train who become separated from their husbands,, is a blend of mistaken identities and laugh-out-loud escapades.
Overjoyed Kiran Rao, Director, said, “I am deeply honoured and beyond delighted that our film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope that this film will resonate with audiences across the world, just as it has in India. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the selection committee and to everyone who believed in this film. It is indeed a great privilege to be selected from among such amazing Indian films this year – who are equally worthy contenders for this honour. My deepest thanks go to Aamir Khan Productions and Jio Studios for their unwavering support and faith in this vision. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a passionate and talented team of professionals who shared my commitment to telling this story.“
She adds, “I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire cast and crew, whose immense talent, dedication, and hard work made this film possible. This journey has been one of incredible collaboration and growth. To the audience, your love and support mean the world to us, and it is your belief in this film that continues to inspire us as filmmakers to push creative boundaries. Thank you once again for this incredible honour. We look forward to taking this journey ahead with great enthusiasm.”
Sharing her excitement Jyoti Deshpande, President Media and Content business RIL shares “Laapata Ladies being selected as India’s entry for Oscar is a true testimony of our vision and commitment to Make in India and Show the world…this film has got unlimited love from audiences all over the world already and is one of the most watched films globally on OTT after its unusually long and resilient theatrical run…Jio Studios will do everything in our power to make India proud on a global stage and I thank the Film Federation of India for this honor and privilege.”
Amir Khan Productions said in a statement, “Heartfelt thanks to the Film Federation of India selection committee for choosing our film Laapataa Ladies to represent India at the Oscars! We are immensely grateful to our audiences, the media, and the film fraternity for their overwhelming love and support for Laapataa Ladies. Thank you to Jio Studios and Netflix for their strong support. Love, Team AKP”
Congratulations to Kiran Rao and the cast and crew. Hopefully, next March, we will hear ‘And The Winner Is… Laapataa Ladies’!
