The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlist of 15 films for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars on Tuesday. While global favorites such as Emilia Pérez and From Ground Zero secured spots, India’s official entry, Laapataaa Ladieswas conspicuously absent. The exclusion of the Aamir Khan-produced Hindi film, directed by Kiran Rao, has reignited debates on India’s Oscars strategy.
Aamir Khan-produced Laapataa Ladies OUT from Oscars 2025 race
Backlash Over Film Federation of India’s Selection
The decision to send Laapataaa Ladies as India’s official entry had sparked controversy earlier this year, with many arguing that Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light was a stronger contender. Following the failure of Laapataaa Ladies to make the shortlist, criticism of the Film Federation of India (FFI) has intensified.
One social media user expressed frustration, writing, “FFI snubbed AWIALdestroying our chances to be on the list. The Film Federation of India requires a full revamp.” Another added, “A shattering humiliation for India. If the only measure of success is to make choices that make you competitive, they have utterly failed.”
Kiran Rao’s Laapataaa Ladies received critical acclaim for its portrayal of two brides interchanged in rural India during the 1990s. The cast featured newcomers Sparsh Srivastava, Pratibha Ranta, and Nitanshi Goel alongside seasoned actors Ravi Kishen and Chhaya Kadam.
On the other hand, All We Imagine As Lightan exploration of Mumbai’s working class, has consistently been a presence at international awards shows. It won the Grand Prix at Cannes and was nominated for the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards.
While Laapataaa Ladies failed to advance, there was some good news for Indian cinema. Santosha UK-based Hindi film by Sandhya Suri, featuring Indian actors Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar, made it to the Oscars shortlist as the UK’s official entry.
Also Read: Laapataa Ladies actor Pratibha Ranta hopes for Oscars shortlist on her birthday: “It would be the biggest gift”
More Pages: Laapataa Ladies Box Office Collection , Laapataa Ladies Movie Review
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