Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, has been selected as India’s official entry for the Best International Film category at the Oscars 2025. The decision, made by a 13-member committee headed by acclaimed filmmaker Jahnu Barua, has sparked divided opinions on social media.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Barua shared the reasons behind the unanimous decision. “Laapataa Ladies stood out for its unique portrayal of women’s issues and social chaos, which is inherent in Indian society,” he explained. The film, produced by Aamir Khan and Rao, was chosen from among 29 entries.
Barua addressed criticisms surrounding the selection, including the snub of Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light. “While it was a strong contender, technically, it fell short of Oscar standards,” he noted.
The committee’s decision was also marred by controversy surrounding the press release’s citation, which described Indian women as “a strange mixture of submission and dominance.” Barua defended the statement, urging people to view it positively.
India’s struggle for international recognition in filmmaking was also discussed. Despite producing nearly 2,000 films annually, none have received an Oscar. Barua emphasized the need for filmmakers to create content that represents the country and meets Oscar eligibility criteria.
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