Kiran Rao's critically acclaimed film, Laapataa Ladies, has been selected as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars. The film, which premiered at the beginning of 2024, has gained cult status for its humourous yet socially relevant narrative, authentic portrayal of rural life, strong performances from a new young cast, and impactful social message. This film has gained acclaim domestically and internationally, including a screening at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023.
Directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Laapata Ladies is a heartwarming film released on 1 March 2024. This film set in rural India in 2001, follows two young brides who accidently get lost on the same train after their wedding.
The film features Nitanshi Goel, a naive girl who finds strength and independence, leaving a lasting impact. The young bride, Phool, lost and encountered on the train and Geeta Chachi a hard-working woman form an unlikely duo through hilarious misadventures, and celebrate female bonding and independence, with a spectacular village setting. It signifies the realities of gender roles, education, and empowerment within a patriarchal society.
Laapataa Ladies carries a young and impressive cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ratna, Sparsh Shrivastav, Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma.
Kiran Rao is a respected Indian filmmaker who continues her tradition of creating thought-provoking content combining entertainment with a deep social message. Expressing her excitement and pride over the film's official selection at Oscars 2025, she shared "I'm hopeful, but I know how competitive the process is. There's immense talent in our industry, and I trust the Film Federation of India to make the best choice."
