
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.






Surprising Choice: ‘Laapataa Ladies’ to Represent India at the 2025 Oscars, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Snubbed


The upcoming film "Pushpa 2," starring Allu Arjun, is buzzing nationwide. Directed by Sukumar, the film is almost ready to hit theaters, with a grand release scheduled for December 5th. The shooting is nearly complete, except for two songs and one scene, raising concerns among fans about whether the film will release on the announced date. Amid these developments, an unexpected twist in the film's production has emerged: Thaman has been brought in to replace Devi Sri Prasad as the music director, which has been a hot topic of discussion.



Thaman Joins Pushpa 2 Team



It is well-known that star music director Devi Sri Prasad was scoring the music for "Pushpa 2" after his tracks for the first part created a nationwide sensation. Recently released songs from the film have already captured the youth's attention. However, rumors are now circulating online that Devi Sri Prasad has been set aside and Thaman has taken over the responsibility for the film's background music.







Dissatisfaction from Sukumar



Sukumar and Devi Sri Prasad have had a strong rapport, with Devi providing music for all of Sukumar’s past films, which featured hit albums. Sukumar had entrusted Devi Sri Prasad with the music responsibilities for "Pushpa 2" as well, and while he was satisfied with the songs, he was reportedly not happy with the background music. With just 29 days left until the film's release, and Devi Sri having his hands full, Sukumar decided to bring in Thaman to handle the BGM. Discussions with Thaman have reportedly taken place, and he has already presented some background scores to Sukumar. An official announcement regarding this change is expected soon.







Why Thaman?



Music director S.S. Thaman is renowned not only for his compelling songs but also for his exceptional background scores. Recently, his BGMs have been making waves, with notable contributions to films like "Akhanda," "Veera Simha Reddy," "Vakeel Saab," "Bhagavanth Kesari," "Guntur Kaaram," "Bro," and "Skanda." Thaman, already having worked with Allu Arjun in blockbuster films such as "Sarrainodu" and "Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo," knows exactly what kind of musical elevations suit Allu Arjun’s films to make theaters erupt. Hence, there is a strong belief among fans that if Thaman provides the background music for "Pushpa 2," it will be phenomenal.







Another Music Director in Consideration?



Alongside Thaman, another music director, Ajaneesh Loknath, known for his work on films like "Kantara" and "Mangalavaaram," is also being considered for "Pushpa 2." Rumors suggest that Thaman might handle the first part and Ajaneesh the second, indicating that up to three directors might work on the film. However, industry insiders strongly believe that Thaman will be the sole provider of the background music, although clarity will only emerge with an official announcement.







A Rare Feat for Pushpa 2



"Pushpa 2" marks a significant achievement as Allu Arjun, previously known primarily to the Telugu audience, garnered a global fan base following the success of "Pushpa" (2021). With the film achieving pan-India and overseas success, "Pushpa 2" has generated substantial hype among international audiences. Pre-sale bookings have recently opened overseas, and the first 15,000 tickets sold out in record time—a first for an Indian film in America. The "Pushpa" team has released a special poster to announce this milestone.




https://twitter.com/PushpaMovie/status/1854036371146695000



BREAKING: Thaman Replaces DSP for Pushpa 2 BGM with Just 29 Days Left; Overseas Advance Bookings Break Records! 🔥

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Mangalavaaram

మంగళవారం

Mangalavaaram Review: Payal's Career-Best in a Dark Thriller

Mangalavaaram Review: ‘మంగళవారం’లో పాయల్‌ కెరీర్‌ బెస్ట్‌ నటన.. మరి సినిమా హిట్టా? ఫట్టా?

Ajay Bhupathi, who captivated audiences with ‘RX 100’, teams up again with actress Payal Rajput in ‘Mangalavaaram’, a dark thriller that has piqued significant interest. The teaser and trailers have amplified this curiosity. With stars like Allu Arjun promoting the film, expectations have soared. Let’s dive into what ‘Mangalavaaram’ has in store.

RX 100’ సినిమాతో సినీప్రియుల్ని మెప్పించిన ద‌ర్శ‌కుడు అజ‌య్ భూప‌తి. ఆ సినిమాతోనే న‌టి పాయ‌ల్ రాజ్‌పూత్ కూడా తెలుగు వారికి ద‌గ్గ‌రైంది. తిరిగి వారి కాంబోలోనే తేరకెక్కిన లేటెస్ట్‌ మూవీ ‘మంగళవారం’. డార్క్ థ్రిల్ల‌ర్‌గా రూపొందిన ఈ చిత్రంపై అందరిలోనూ ఆసక్తి పెరిగింది. ఇటీవల రిలీజైన టీజ‌ర్, ట్రైలర్లు ఈ ఆస‌క్తిని మరింత పెంచింది. అల్లు అర్జున్ వంటి స్టార్ ఈ చిత్ర ప్ర‌చార కార్య‌క్ర‌మాల్లో పాల్గొన‌డంతో సినిమాపై అంచనాలు భారీగా పెరిగిపోయాయి. మ‌రి ఈ మంగ‌ళ‌వారం క‌థేంటి? తెర‌పై ఎలాంటి వినోదాన్ని పంచింది? పాయ‌ల్- అజ‌య్‌ల‌కు విజ‌యాన్ని అందించిందా? ఈ కథనంలో చూద్దాం.

YouSay Review

Mangalavaaram Review: Payal's Career-Best in a Dark Thriller

Ajay Bhupathi, who captivated audiences with ‘RX 100’, teams up again with actress Payal Rajput in ‘Mangalavaaram’, a dark thriller that has piqued si...read more

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