India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ (Lost Ladies), directed by Kiran Rao, is no longer in contention after failing to make it to the Academy’s shortlist of 15 films. The announcement was made on Wednesday morning by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
Aamir Khan Productions issued a statement expressing their disappointment yet gratitude for the journey. The statement read:
“‘Laapataa Ladies’ did not make it to the Academy Awards shortlist this year, and we are of course disappointed, but equally we are immensely grateful for the incredible support and belief we’ve received throughout this journey. To be included in this prestigious process alongside some of the finest films from across the world is an honor in itself.”
The production house also congratulated the shortlisted films and reaffirmed their commitment to telling compelling stories.
A Prominent Entry with a Strong Message
Set in rural India in the early 2000s, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is a feminist drama exploring the lives of two brides who accidentally swap places during a train journey. The film stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastav, supported by Chhaya Kadam, Ravi Kishan, and Geeta Agrawal Sharma. The screenplay, based on a story by Biplab Goswami, was written by Sneha Desai with additional dialogues by Divyanidhi Sharma.
The film, produced by Kiran Rao’s Kindling Productions, Aamir Khan Productions, and Jio Studios, premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and opened to critical acclaim when it released in theatres on March 1, 2023.
In September, the Film Federation of India (FFI) chose ‘Laapataa Ladies’ as the official Oscar entry from a list of 29 films, including notable works like Animal, Aattam, and All We Imagine As Light.
India’s Oscar Journey So Far
India has a storied history with the Oscars in the International Feature Film category. The last Indian film to make it to the final five was Lagaan in 2002, also produced by Aamir Khan. Earlier, Mother India and Salaam Bombay! had earned nominations in this prestigious category.
While ‘Laapataa Ladies’ missed the shortlist, the United Kingdom’s entry Santosh, starring Indian actors Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar, secured a place. Directed by Sandhya Suri, Santosh is a poignant story about a widow who becomes involved in a murder investigation after taking over her late husband’s police job.
Additionally, the short film Anuja, co-produced by Guneet Monga and Mindy Kaling, has advanced in the Live Action Short Film category. It tells the story of a nine-year-old girl grappling with life-changing decisions about education and factory work in New Delhi.
Looking Ahead
The final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 17, with the award ceremony scheduled for March 2, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, this year’s Oscars will feature categories such as Documentary Feature Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music, Animation, Sound, and Visual Effects.
Though Laapataa Ladies has bowed out, its journey underscores the growing global recognition of Indian cinema. The film’s team remains optimistic about future projects, continuing their efforts to bring powerful stories to audiences worldwide.
Sources By Agencies
