India has officially selected Laapataa Ladies as its entry for the Best Foreign Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. Directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, the film aims to highlight significant social issues while representing Indian cinema on the global stage.
The announcement was confirmed by Kiran Rao’s team. Laapataa Ladies explores themes of gender equality and women’s empowerment in rural India, focusing on the narrative of two brides who are mistakenly swapped during a train journey in 2001.
The film stars Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Srivastava, and Nitanshi Goel in lead roles, combining a poignant narrative with a strong social message. It was recently showcased at a special event at the Supreme Court of India, attended by judges, their families, and officials. Rao expressed gratitude for the Chief Justice’s initiative in screening the film, noting its role in reaching a wider audience.
Released in March, Laapataa Ladies features performances by Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma, contributing to a diverse cast that enhances the film’s depth.
The deadline for submissions for the 96th Oscars is November 14, with the shortlist for Best International Feature to be revealed on December 17, and nominations announced on January 17, 2025. The Academy Awards ceremony is set to take place on March 2, 2025.
