This year’s selection for Oscar marks a bold statement about the future of Indian cinema and its universal appeal

India is ready to stun the world once again, not only with its glamorous presence but also with its captivating storytelling at the 2025 Oscars. With Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies chosen as India’s official entry for Best International Feature Film, the global stage is about to witness a film that exemplifies the power of Indian cinema where tradition meets modernity, and women’s stories are told with gradation, strength and authenticity.

From the grand stages of Cannes and TIFF to the prestigious halls of the Oscars, India’s cinematic journey continues to break boundaries, capturing hearts across the globe. The selection of Laapataa Ladies stands out as a justified move that speaks volumes about the direction the Indian cinema will take in the future.

It signifies not just a bold statement but also a deeper narrative that India aims to convey to the world. The decision has stirred passionate discussions about the nature of Indian cinema, the evolving landscape of global filmmaking, and the art of storytelling that resonates universally. It signifies not just a bold statement but also a deeper narrative that India aims to convey to the world. One characterised by powerful storytelling and emotional depth, laced with cultural authenticity that delves into the unique yet universally relatable experiences of women.

Kiran Rao’s return to the director’s chair after more than a decade has proven to be nothing short of a cinematic triumph of her evolution as a filmmaker.

‘Laapataa Ladies’ offers more than a film, it’s an experience that beautifully blends humour and poignant social commentary and a fresh perspective on the complexities of Indian womanhood. Set against the backdrop of rural India, the story revolves around two brides mistakenly swapped due to their veils, igniting a whirlwind of confusion and identity crisis. But beneath the surface, the film tackles deeper societal themes, portraying the often unspoken struggles women face while navigating tradition and personal identity. Rao’s masterful storytelling elevates this from a simple narrative to a cultural dialogue, one that resonates with both Indian and global audiences. It’s this jugalbandi of emotion, drama, and humour that makes ‘Laapataa Ladies’ stand out as a universal story about women’s empowerment.

The film doesn’t just reflect the plight of Indian women, it taps into the global consciousness of gender roles, the subtle acts of defiance, and the resilience required to reclaim one’s identity in a patriarchal society. By sending ‘Laapataa Ladies’ to the Oscars, India is presenting the world with a film that balances entertainment with a serious undercurrent. This is the kind of storytelling that Hollywood needs to see an authentic narrative that reflects the socio-cultural realities of a nation while remaining universally relatable. With well-written characters, immersive performances, and a storyline that oscillates between lightheartedness and gravitas, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ will serve as a testament to Indian filmmaking talent. The performances of Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ranta shine, their portrayals brimming with vulnerability and strength, making their characters relatable on a universal scale. This film is not just a story about two women but about the entire spectrum of Indian womanhood—its beauty, complexity, and contradictions.

The landscape of global filmmaking is undergoing a revolution.

The world is slowly waking up to the storytelling brilliance that many nations like South Korea, China, Turkey and India have always possessed but are now showcasing with greater confidence and finesse. India’s selection of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is part of this global wave of cinema that is redefining the narrative structure, giving voice to local stories with universal appeal. Much like South Korea’s Parasite, which used the backdrop of class disparity to tell a universally compelling story, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ uses rural India’s traditions to explore gender, identity and empowerment in a way that transcends cultural boundaries.As ‘Laapataa Ladies’ makes its way to the Oscars, it carries with it the hopes of millions who believe in the power of authentic storytelling.

The film’s emotional depth, paired with Rao’s visionary direction, is set to make waves on the international stage, showing Hollywood and the world what Indian cinema is truly capable of. With ‘Laapataa Ladies’, India has not just sent a film—it has sent a message.

(The writer is a former additional DG, DFF, and festival director at IFFI. Inputs provided by Zoya Ahmad and Vaishnavie Srinivasan; Views are personal)