Lapataa Ladies Sent to the Oscars
Laapataa Ladies, Kiran Rao’s sharp and witty movie, has been chosen as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars. The Film Federation of India (FFI), the top body responsible for selecting India’s submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film each year, made the announcement on Monday, September 23.
Laapataa Ladies is co-produced by Kiran Rao’s Kindling Pictures, Aamir Khan Productions, and Jio Studios and is currently streaming on Netflix India.
Kiran Rao said, “I am deeply honored and 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.”
Laapataa Ladies Theme
Laapataa Ladies is a cinematic treasure that highlights the impact of storytelling and the resilience of human kindness.
This satirical comedy-drama follows a young man whose bride is mistakenly swapped with another. The film features Sparsh Shrivastava alongside Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan. It is adapted from Biplab Goswami’s award-winning screenplay, Two Brides.
Rao’s film has been a hit with festival audiences. The lighthearted satire follows Jaya (Pratibha Ranta) and Phool (Nitanshi Goel), two new brides whose faces are covered by matching red wedding veils. Both are traveling on the same cross-country train in India to their weddings, but they accidentally get switched and end up at the wrong ceremonies, leading them down completely different paths. Yash Raj Films acquired the international distribution rights, and the movie was released on Netflix India after its local theatrical run.
The movie renews belief in human kindness with its natural and believable performances. The actors play their roles so well that the characters feel like real people we might know. The story touches on current issues that resonate with viewers. What makes this film special is its light humour that still delivers powerful moral lessons. The humour is not harsh, but it is clever and offers thoughtful social insights in a gentle, easy-to-understand way.
Though the plot is simple, it skillfully tackles various social issues without feeling preachy. Rather than lecturing, it uses wit and intelligence to engage the audience, leaving them thinking about these topics long after the movie ends.
In spite of the negativity in the world, Laapataa Ladies stands as a reminder of the goodness and kindness that can thrive even in tough situations. It shows that it is not necessary for a movie to have big budgets, famous stars, or flashy visual effects; it comes from the heart, and Laapataa Ladies has proved it.
Kiran Rao has displayed her thoughtful and heartfelt depiction of both the dark and bright sides of human nature. Her direction captures the complexity of human behaviour, making the characters relatable and the story engaging. The film’s power to inspire and uplift is a testament to her talent as a filmmaker.
