Laapataa Ladies Selected As Oscars Entry For Its Authentic Portrayal Of ‘Indianness,’ Says Jury Chairman Jahnu Barua
The jury praised the movie for its nuanced portrayal of Indian women, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern roles!
The Film Federation of India has announced that Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies will represent India at the 2025 Academy Awards. This selection was made from a competitive pool of 29 films, including notable titles like the Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light and the National Award-winning Aattam. For the unversed, the movie was released on March 1, 2024, and received quite a good response from the audience.
Why Was Laapataa Ladies Selected For Oscars?
In an interview with the Indian Express, Jahnu Barua, the Assamese filmmaker who chaired the selection jury, elaborated on the criteria for choosing Laapataa Ladies. He emphasized that the film needed to authentically embody the essence of India, particularly reflecting its social systems and cultural values. Barua noted that the jury’s mission was to find a film that could serve as a true representative of Indian cinema on an international stage.
The 13-member committee, under Barua’s leadership, reached a unanimous decision to select Laapataa Ladies for the Best International Film category at the Oscars. The film, produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, introduces a fresh cast, including newcomers Pratibha Ratna, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Nitanshi Goel. Set in the fictional state of Nirmal Pradesh in 2001, the movie tells the intriguing story of two brides, Phool and Pushpa, who are accidentally swapped during a train journey. One bride ends up with the wrong groom, while the other finds herself stranded at a railway station. A dedicated police officer named Kishan takes it upon himself to unravel this mix-up.
The jury praised the movie for its nuanced portrayal of Indian women, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern roles. The film captures the complexities of women’s identities, illustrating their desires to be homemakers while also embodying ambition and resilience. According to the jury, the film promises to engage audiences both in India and abroad, offering a narrative that resonates universally.
Produced by Jio Studios and Aamir Khan Productions, Laapataa Ladies is set to make a significant impact on the global film stage as India’s official entry for the Oscars.
First Published: September 24, 2024 1:59 PM
