Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India's official entry for the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars) in 2025. The film emerged victorious in the Best International Film category from a competitive field that included highly anticipated titles like Ranbir Kapoor's Animal, Kartik Aaryan's Chandu Champion, Prabhas and Deepika Padukone-starrer Kalki 2898 AD, the National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam, Rajkummar Rao's Shrikanth, Vicky Kaushal's Sam Bahadur among others. Coincidentally, Laapataa Ladies’ Oscar entry comes just a few days after Kiran Rao expressed her dream of having the film go to the Oscars. Oscars 2025: Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Selected As India’s Official Entry for Best International Film.

Here's Why 'Laapataa Ladies' Is India's Official Entry to Oscars 

'Laapataa Ladies' Cast & Plot

Aamir Khan-produced Laapataa Ladies is a unique tale set in rural India in 2001. Starring Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava and Ravi Kishan, the film follows two brides who are accidentally switched during a train journey. As their husbands embark on a quest to find their intended spouses, the narrative unfolds with twists and turns, taking viewers on an unforgettable adventure.

Watch 'Laapataa Ladies' Trailer:

Films Considered For Oscars 2025

This year, a diverse selection of 29 films was submitted for consideration, including titles like Hanu-Man, Kalki 2898 AD, Animal, Chandu Champion, Sam Bahadur and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Other notable entries included Good Luck, Gharat Ganpati, Maidaan, Joram, Kottukaali, Jama, Article 370, Aattam (which won National Award for Best Feature Film in 2024), Aadujeevitham and Cannes Winner All We Imagine As Light. From this competitive lineup, Laapataa Ladies, along with Thangalaan, Vaazhai, Ullozhukku and Srikanth, made it to the top five films as determined by the jury, showcasing a rich tapestry of storytelling in Indian cinema. Oscar 2025: 98th Academy Awards Set for March 2; Nominations to Be Unveiled on January 17.

Where to Watch 'Laapataa Ladies' Online

India's official entry for the Oscars 2025, Laapataa Ladies, is available for streaming on Netflix, accessible to all subscribed viewers. The movie is directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan and Jyoti Deshpande.

Panel For The Selection of India's Official Entry to Oscars 2025

How Will the Oscars Pick the Final Nominees?

The International Feature Film nominations will be determined through a two-step process. A preliminary committee will select fifteen films from eligible submissions, and a nominating committee will choose the final five nominees. Only Academy members who have viewed all five nominated films can vote for the winner. The Academy statuette will be awarded to the country, with the director's name listed on the plaque.

Kiran Rao's Reaction After 'Laapataa Ladies' Makes It to Oscars 2025

"I am deeply honoured and beyond 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," she said.

Rao added, "I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the selection committee and to everyone who believed in this film. It is indeed a great privilege to be selected from among such amazing Indian films this year - who are equally worthy contenders for this honour. My deepest thanks go to Aamir Khan Productions and Jio Studios for their unwavering support and faith in this vision. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a passionate and talented team of professionals who shared my commitment to telling this story. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire cast and crew, whose immense talent, dedication, and hard work made this film possible. This journey has been one of incredible collaboration and growth."

"To the audience, your love and support mean the world to us, and it is your belief in this film that continues to inspire us as filmmakers to push creative boundaries. Thank you once again for this incredible honour. We look forward to taking this journey ahead with great enthusiasm," she concluded.

FYI, The Academy has scheduled the 97th Oscars for March 2025. The show will air live on ABC and around the world from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2024 02:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).