Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Chosen as India’s Official Entry for the Oscars: A Glimpse into the Journey
In an exciting moment for Indian cinema, Kiran Rao’s directorial film Laapataa Ladies was selected as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. Announced on September 23, this selection has sparked widespread interest and enthusiasm across the Indian film industry, film enthusiasts, and critics alike. Backed by Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s production house, Laapataa Ladies has already established itself as both a critical and commercial success, raising expectations for its international journey to the Oscars.
The Hindi-language film, released in March, immediately garnered attention for its unique storyline, focusing on two newlywed women who mistakenly swap places during a chaotic train journey to their husbands’ homes. The film’s blend of poignant social commentary and lighthearted humor struck a chord with audiences, offering a refreshing exploration of identity, societal roles, and women’s empowerment in India’s patriarchal context. Rao, who has long been admired for her nuanced storytelling and directorial approach, took to social media to express her gratitude. In a heartfelt post, she said, “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.”
The Film’s Unique Appeal
Laapataa Ladies centers on a premise both simple and profound: the accidental swap of identities between two women, bound by tradition but yearning for individuality. Through this, the film explores the rigid expectations placed upon women in traditional Indian society while portraying their aspirations, struggles, and personal growth. This story, while uniquely Indian in its setting, taps into a universal theme of female empowerment and self-discovery, making it relatable to audiences worldwide.
In selecting Laapataa Ladies, the Film Federation of India (FFI) acknowledged its potential to resonate universally, particularly with women. In its citation, the FFI described the film as “a film that can engage, entertain, and make sense not just to women in India but universally as well.”
However, the FFI’s statement also garnered criticism. Some of the language used, such as describing Indian women as “a strange mixture of submission and dominance,” was seen as reductive by many. The mention of women’s dual desires to be homemakers and entrepreneurs, while well-intentioned, sparked debate, with critics pointing out the oversimplification of women’s multifaceted roles. Despite this, the selection of Laapataa Ladies has remained a cause for celebration, positioning it as one of the strongest Indian contenders at the Oscars in recent years.
The Role of the Film Federation of India in the Oscar Journey
The FFI plays a crucial role in selecting India’s official entry for the Oscars each year. As the parent body of all leading film associations in the country, the FFI is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the interests of the Indian film industry. Part of this mandate includes the highly coveted task of choosing a film that will represent India in the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars. This year, the competition was fierce, with 29 films vying for the honor. Among the contenders were acclaimed films such as Payal Kapadia’s Cannes winner All We Imagine As Light, Anand Ekarshi’s National Award-winning Aattam and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s controversial blockbuster Animal.
The FFI appoints a 13-member jury, made up of experienced professionals from the creative field, to deliberate over the submissions. The jury, chaired this year by acclaimed Assamese director Jahnu Barua, evaluated each film against the Academy’s eligibility criteria, which include a minimum run time of 40 minutes, over 50 per cent of the dialogues in a non-English language, and a seven-day theatrical release within the eligibility period. In addition, filmmakers are required to pay Rs 1.25 lakh as part of their submission, ensuring that only serious contenders enter the fray.
This year’s jury, however, did not escape criticism. The all-male composition of the panel attracted backlash, with many on social media expressing disappointment over the lack of female representation in the decision-making process. This concern was amplified given that Laapataa Ladies prominently features women’s stories and challenges patriarchal norms.
The Oscars: A Long and Winding Road
The journey to the Oscars is far from simple. Each country is allowed to submit one film for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category, and this film must pass through multiple rounds of voting before reaching the final nominations. In the first round, a preliminary committee shortlists 15 films from the international submissions. From there, a nominating committee selects five final nominees, and finally, the members of the Academy vote for the winner.
India has a long history of participating in this prestigious category, though success has been limited. Only three Indian films have made it to the final nominations: Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2001). The latter is particularly significant, as it was produced by Aamir Khan, who also happens to be the producer behind Laapataa Ladies. With this connection, many in the industry are hopeful that Laapataa Ladies could break India’s 22-year drought and finally bring home an Oscar.
Last year’s entry, the Malayalam film 2018: Everyone is a Hero, depicted the devastating 2018 Kerala floods and received widespread acclaim. Despite this, it did not secure a nomination. As such, there is cautious optimism surrounding Laapataa Ladies. Its unique premise, critical success, and backing from a seasoned producer like Aamir Khan have positioned it as a strong contender.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the road to the Oscars is full of challenges, Laapataa Ladies has a few key factors in its favor. First, the film’s storyline, which addresses themes of gender, identity, and social expectations, has universal appeal, making it accessible to a global audience. Second, Kiran Rao’s direction, coupled with her track record of delivering impactful films, ensures that the film is backed by a strong creative vision. Lastly, Aamir Khan’s involvement brings significant international visibility, increasing the likelihood of the film catching the eye of Academy voters.
However, there are challenges ahead. The competition in the Best International Feature Film category is always intense, with many countries submitting their finest films for consideration. For Laapataa Ladies to secure a nomination, it will need to stand out not only among Indian submissions but also in the global landscape. Additionally, the language and cultural nuances of the film may pose a barrier for some international viewers, though its core themes of empowerment and identity could help bridge that gap.
Conclusion: A Hopeful Journey Ahead
With its selection as India’s official entry for the Oscars, Laapataa Ladies has already made a mark on the global stage. As the film prepares to compete at the 97th Academy Awards, Kiran Rao and her team carry the hopes of the Indian film industry and audiences alike. Whether or not it secures a nomination, the film’s universal themes, critical acclaim, and strong support from industry heavyweights have ensured its place as a standout in Indian cinema. All eyes are now on Kiran Rao as she leads India’s Oscar journey with Laapataa Ladies, potentially ending the nation’s 22-year wait for the coveted award.