India’s selection for the Oscars each year, particularly in the Best International Feature Film category, attracts considerable attention.
For the 2025 Oscars, the Film Federation of India announced Laapataa Ladies as the official entry.
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Directed by Kiran Rao, the film was chosen over a list of 29 entries, including several notable Tamil films like Thangalaan, Maharaja, Kottukkaali, Vaazhai, Jigarthanda DoubleX, and Jama.
The exclusion of Maharaja, starring Vijay Sethupathi, especially upset Kollywood fans, with many expressing their disappointment on social media.
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The final five films considered for the official entry included:
1. Laapataa Ladies (Hindi) [Winner]
2. Thangalaan (Tamil)
3. Vaazhai (Tamil)
4. Ullozhukku (Malayalam)
5. Srikant (Hindi)
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Some, however, criticized the selection process, accusing it of favoring Hindi cinema.
A social media post pointed out the alleged vagueness of the process, stating, “LAAPATAA LADIES being chosen is proof of the selection body’s ignorance about what works internationally.”
Allegations of Laapataa Ladies being a copy also emerged, with claims that it was a remake of Ananth Mahadevan’s Ghoonghat Ke Pat Khol, which aired in 1999.
Critics expressed disappointment in Kiran Rao and her team for not acknowledging the original work.
However, some people were relieved that Laapataa Ladies was chosen which was at least decent instead of some films like Animal, Kalki, Chhota Bheem, or Chandu Champion.
Despite these controversies, Laapataa Ladies continues to represent India at the prestigious Oscars stage.
