Kiran Rao’s Directorial Laapataa Ladies Chosen as India’s Official Entry for the Oscars 2025. In an interview with NDTV, Rao discussed the film’s universal appeal, stating, ‘While it is deeply rooted in India and this village, it resonates with shared hopes for women and progress.’
Shortly after Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies was named India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025, many netizens took to social media to express their belief that Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light had been ‘robbed’ of the chance, despite its Cannes victory. The 12-member jury responsible for this decision was led by Assamese director Jahnu Barua, who recently explained why Laapataa Ladies was chosen.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Barua stated, “The jury must select the right film that represents India on all fronts. It’s crucial for the film to reflect India’s social systems and ethos. The essence of Indianness is very important, and Laapataa Ladies excelled in that regard.” When asked about the shortlisting of only 29 films, he remarked, “We need to find a way to ensure we do justice to the films emerging from Indian cinema. Shouldn’t we aim to send the best possible film?”
Barua emphasized that he did not feel any pressure in this role. “Not at all. Ultimately, it depends on the jury members. We adhered to a strict approach to prevent any outside influence during the selection process. Each member had to use their own judgment to choose the best film. The effectiveness of the jury also relies on its leadership, and I ensured that there was no interference in our decision-making,” he added.