Laapataa Ladies is India’s official entry to Oscars 2025; trumps Animal, Aattam and All We Imagine As Light

Set in the heartland, Laapataa Ladies tells the coming-of-age story of two newlywed brides, who are mistakenly exchanged during a train ride to their in-law’s homes. The film produced by Aamir Khan Productions emerged as the top choice for India’s Oscar entry out of 29 movies which were under consideration. Khan in his media statement said he was “proud of Kiran and her entire team” and hoped that the film would be “able to win the hearts of the members of the Academy”.

The announcement by FFI, which is entrusted to make the selection, was lauded by many while others expressed their surprise over Payal Kapadia-directed All We Imagine As Light, the winner of Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, being overlooked. After its Cannes premiere, All We Imagine As Light has been making waves in major international film festivals, including the ones held in San Sebastian, Toronto and New York.

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Speaking to The Indian Express on Saturday, following the release of All We Imagine As Light in Kerala, Kapadia when asked about the possibility of her debut feature being selected as India’s Oscar entry said, “All We Imagine As Light is an Indian film. It would be great to represent India.” Actor Rana Dagubatti, whose Spirit Media is the distributing the film, spoke about his plan to release the film phase-wise in different parts of India.

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In her post, Rao thanked her team and said, “I hope that this film will resonate with audiences across the world, just as it has in India.”

Among the movies under consideration by the 13-member jury, headed by filmmaker Jahnu Barua, were Kalki 2898 AD; Animal; Chandu Champion; Sam Bahadur; Aattam; Aadujeevitham; Maidaan; Joram and Kottukaali.