New Delhi, Sep 23 (V7N) — Kiran Rao's satirical film Lapata Ladies, which subtly critiques patriarchy, has been selected as India's official entry for the 2025 Oscars. The Film Federation of India made the announcement after choosing the film from a shortlist of 29 other contenders. This marks a significant achievement for Rao, Aamir Khan’s ex-wife, as the film has been praised both at the box office and on Netflix.

The movie, starring Neethanshi Goel, Pratibha Ratna, Prash Srivastava, and Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan, was recognised for its fresh narrative and strong performances. Despite lacking the presence of a well-known star, Lapata Ladies managed to capture the audience’s attention and performed impressively, earning approximately ₹25 crore from a production budget of ₹5 crore.

Several other notable films were in contention for India’s Oscar entry, including the Bollywood hit Animal, Malayalam National Award-winner Attam, and Cannes winner All We Imagine as Light. However, under the leadership of Assamese director Jahnu Baruah, the 13-member selection committee unanimously chose Lapata Ladies for the Best International Film category.

Kiran Rao expressed her confidence early on, stating that the audience’s reception was the first form of recognition, and she believed her film would be the country’s official Oscar selection. Lapata Ladies was even screened in the Supreme Court, highlighting its strong social message, which resonated deeply with both critics and audiences.

While some viewers were reminded of Rabindranath Tagore’s Naukadubi when the film’s trailer was released, Kiran’s film departs from that narrative, focusing instead on the unique experience of village brides and how ordinary events can become extraordinary.

Released in 2023, Lapata Ladies found initial success on the big screen before gaining wider popularity on Netflix. With its entry to the Oscars, the film is poised to represent India on the global stage.

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