The Oscars hold a prestigious spot among global film enthusiasts and is a coveted goal for actors and filmmakers worldwide. This year, many expected ‘Kalki 2898 AD‘ to be nominated for Best International Feature Film from India due to its international standards. However, in a surprising turn, the Hindi film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ was chosen as India’s entry for the 2025 Oscars. It appears the ‘Kalki’ team is planning to follow the strategy used by last year’s ‘RRR‘.
Was ‘Kalki’ Unjustly Overlooked?
Directed by Kiran Rao, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has officially been selected as India’s entry for the 2025 Oscars. The Film Federation of India’s jury, led by Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua and comprising 12 members, chose this film over others including ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, ‘Hanuman‘, and ‘Mangalavaaram‘ from Tollywood. Despite ‘Kalki’s’ international success, its omission has surprised cinema lovers, with some commenting that it faced the same injustice as ‘RRR’ the previous year.
‘Kalki’ in the Path of ‘RRR’
Last year, ‘RRR’ did not secure a spot in the Best International Feature Film category, prompting director S.S. Rajamouli to submit it under general categories. It received nominations in 15 categories including Best Picture and Best Director, ultimately winning an Oscar for the song “Naatu Naatu” under Best Original Score. Now, the ‘Kalki’ team is considering a similar approach, hoping to be recognized in various general categories. If the Oscar committee considers and shortlists ‘Kalki’s’ nominations, it could officially compete. The ‘Hanuman’ team is also contemplating a general category submission.
Why ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Was Chosen
Jahnu Barua, chairman of the Film Federation of India, explained the decision for ‘Laapataa Ladies’, highlighting the film’s portrayal of Indian social structures and morality, presenting India in a significant light. After extensive deliberation over eight days, the jury selected ‘Laapataa Ladies’ from among 29 contenders. Director Kiran Rao expressed joy over the recognition of the hard work put into an impactful story, hoping for global admiration just as it was received in India.
Here are the Competing Films from the South!
Of the 29 films vying for an Oscar nomination, a notable number were from South India. From Tollywood, three films were in contention; from Kollywood, six managed to make the list, including ‘Maharaja‘ featuring Vijay Sethupathi, ‘Thangalaan‘ with Vikram, ‘Kottukkaali’ starring Soori, ‘Jigarthanda Double X‘ by Lawrence – S.J. Suryah, ‘Valai’ directed by Mari Selvaraj, and ‘Jam’ directed and acted by Pari Elavazhagan. From the Malayalam industry, films like ‘Attam’, ‘Aadujeevitham‘ (The Goat Life), ‘All We Imagine as Light’, and ‘Ullujukku’ made the list, totaling 13 South Indian films in the Oscar race. However, only ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has officially entered the Oscars from India, with further announcements about other films pending.
What Makes ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Special?
‘Laapataa Ladies’ reaffirms the saying “the story is the hero of the film.” It tells the tale of two brides from a rural area who accidentally switch places during a train journey. The film unfolds their lives post this incident and how they find their way back to their husbands. Structured as a comedy drama, the film engages the audience while raising questions about the recognition of women in society and critiques patriarchal systems. Directed by Kiran, 13 years after her debut with ‘Dhobi Ghat’, the film received mixed responses at the box office but was well-received on OTT platforms.
