India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, which will be held early next year, is “Laapataa Ladies,” directed by Kiran Rao. On Monday, September 23rd, the announcement was made.
After its March release, the Hindi movie, which was supported by actor Aamir Khan’s production company, was a critical and financial success. The story, which offers a moving and frequently funny examination of identity and social expectations. It revolves around two newlywed ladies who inadvertently switch places while traveling by train to their husbands’ homes.
“Laapataa Ladies” was declared the selected submission. From a competitive pool of 29 films by the Film Federation of India (FFI). Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s contentious blockbuster “Animal,” Anand Ekarshi’s National Award-winning “Aattam,” and Payal Kapadia’s Cannes winner “All We Imagine As Light” were among the finalists.
What is the FFI and how is the Oscar Movies selection process carried out?
Promoting and defending the interests of the Indian film industry is the responsibility of the Film Federation of India. It bills itself as the parent organization of all significant film associations in the nation. One of its responsibilities is to choose the film that will represent India at the Oscars by assembling a 13-member jury composed of seasoned experts in the creative industry.
This year, the panel discussed the submissions in Chennai under the direction of Assamese director Jahnu Barua. The Academy’s eligibility requirements must be fulfilled by each submission. It includes being at least 40 minutes long. Having at least 50% of the dialogue in a language other than English. And also having a minimum seven-day theatrical run within the qualifying period. In order to submit their work, filmmakers must pay Rs 1.25 lakh. Social media users expressed disapproval of the jury’s all-male makeup this year. Pointing out that women were not represented on the panel that made the decision for a movie that heavily highlights the tales of women.
What were the opinions of the jury on “Laapataa Ladies”?
In its citation, the FFI praised ‘Laapataa Ladies’ for being a film that could resonate universally. Particularly with women. Describing it as “a film that can engage, entertain, and make sense not just to women in India but universally as well.”
However, the language used in the citation faced some backlash for its phrasing and errors. The statement referred to Indian women as “a strange mixture of submission and dominance.” And commented that the film demonstrates how women can “happily desire to be homemakers as well as rebel and be entrepreneurially inclined.” A description that some critics found reductive
“Laapataa Ladies,” which is being keenly watched worldwide, may put an end to India’s 22-year Oscar drought. It has already established itself as a noteworthy competitor because to its distinctive plot and high level of critical praise. Now, everyone is watching Kiran Rao and her crew as they take this acclaimed Indian movie to a worldwide audience.
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