Septebmer 23, 2024: In a move that has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Oscars 2025. The Film Federation of India announced this decision on Monday, leaving fans and critics buzzing with both praise and skepticism.
Released on March 1, 2024, Laapataa Ladies is described as a light-hearted satire on patriarchy, tackling complex societal themes with humor. The film was chosen from a competitive field of 29 contenders, including notable titles like Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal and the acclaimed All We Imagine As Light, which recently won the Grand Prix at Cannes.
Controversy and Mixed Reactions about Laapata Ladies Win; Kiran Rao Elated
The selection has sparked significant debate on X (formerly Twitter), with users expressing disappointment and confusion over the jury’s choice. One user tweeted, “The Indian Oscar jury has continued its stupidity streak by selecting Laapataa Ladies instead of All We Imagine As Light. What the f*** even?” Others echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Laapataa Ladies was not a fitting representative for India at the Oscars.
“Sending Laapataa Ladies to the Oscars is like handing a Player-of-the-Match Award to a batter when a bowler won the game,” another commenter noted, referencing the accolades received by All We Imagine As Light.
Reactions to the jury’s citation were equally pointed. The statement described Indian women as “a strange mixture of submission and dominance,” prompting responses ranging from amusement to outrage. “That citation. Idk whether to laugh or cry…” one user remarked, while another quipped, “They could have at least spelled jury correctly.”
Jury’s Decision on why ‘Laapataa Ladies” won
The 13-member selection committee, chaired by Assamese director Jahnu Barua, unanimously chose Laapataa Ladies to represent India at the 97th Academy Awards. Despite the backlash, Kiran Rao expressed her gratitude and excitement, stating, “Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope this film resonates with audiences across the world, just as it has in India.”
Other contenders for the honor included Srikanth, Vaazhai, Thangalaan, and Ullozhukku, all of which were celebrated for their storytelling and artistic merit.
As the Oscar season approaches, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Laapataa Ladies and its potential impact on global audiences. With mixed reactions from fans and critics alike, the film’s journey to the Academy Awards promises to be as captivating as the narratives it seeks to portray.