India has officially selected Laapataa Ladies as its entry for the Best Foreign Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. The film, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, aims to spotlight significant social issues while representing Indian cinema on the global stage. Oscars 2025: Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Selected As India’s Official Entry for Best International Film.

The announcement has been confirmed by Kiran Rao's team.

Laapataa Ladies explores themes of gender equality and women's empowerment in rural India. The film follows the story of two brides who are inadvertently switched during a train journey in 2001.

Kiran Rao Shares Feels ‘Delighted’ and ‘Honoured’ As ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Enters Oscars 2025

 

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Starring Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Srivastava, and Nitanshi Goel in lead roles, the film combines a poignant narrative with a strong social message. Recently, Laapataa Ladies was showcased at a special event held at the Supreme Court of India, attended by judges, their families, and officials. At that event, Rao expressed her gratitude for the Chief Justice's initiative in screening the film, which she noted has helped reach a wider audience. Oscar 2025: 97th Academy Awards Set for March 2; Nominations to Be Unveiled on January 17.

The film, which was released in March, also features performances by Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma, contributing to a diverse cast that adds depth to the narrative. The deadline for submissions for the 96th Oscars is November 14 this year. The shortlist for Best International Feature will be revealed on December 17, and nominations will be announced on January 17, 2025. The Academy Awards is scheduled to be held on March 2, 2025.