Why India’s Oscar Committee Chose ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Over Cannes Winner ‘All We Imagine as Light’

As autumn approaches, the process of selecting India’s Oscar candidate comes to ight, capturing attention with its blend of drama reminiscent of Bollywood films. The Film Federation of India (FFI) has gathered a special jury composed of industry veterans to evaluate the year’s cinematic landscape and determine which film will represent the nation.

Despite having the world’s most prolific film industry, India has often faced missed opportunities in the international feature film race. A known example is Ritesh Batra’s “The Lunchbox,” which, despite widespread acclaim, was overlooked in 2013.

Concerns were also raised when the global sensation “RRR” was not chosen as India’s Oscar submission in 2022. The FFI redeemed itself when its official entry, Pan Nalin’s “Last Film Show,” made the international features shortlist, while “RRR” went on to win the Oscar for original song after being submitted separately.

This year, however, the exclusion of “All We Imagine as Light,” the first Indian film to compete at Cannes in 30 years and shortlisted by France’s Oscar committee, could set a troubling precedent.

Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies” (“Lost Ladies”) was selected as this year’s entry, a choice that some may find disappointing, particularly those outside the Indian film community.

This is largely due to the buzz surrounding “All We Imagine as Light,” which not only broke a three-decade streak at Cannes but also won the Grand Jury Prize, propelling director Payal Kapadia from documentary filmmaker to acclaimed auteur.

Kapadia made history as the first Indian woman to win the Grand Prize at Cannes, and her film is on track to become one of the most widely distributed Indian indie films.

Agreements are already in place for releases in the U.S., U.K., and France—countries that have the highest concentration of Academy voters. “All We Imagine as Light” seemed a likely candidate, especially after it made the French Oscar shortlist; however, Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Perez” finally received that country’s submission.

The choice of “Laapataa Ladies” can be attributed to its cinematic quality and the financial backing from one of its producers, billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Jio Studios, part of India’s largest conglomerate, Reliance Industries Limited.

The visibility of Aamir Khan, who received an Oscar nomination for “Lagaan,” also played a role. With its selection, “Laapataa Ladies” will require strong support from its producers to secure a spot on the international feature shortlist. It is already available on Netflix, contributing to its accessibility and popularity.

Jyoti Deshpande, president of media and content at Reliance Industries Limited, stated: “The selection of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ as India’s Oscar entry reflects our commitment to producing films in India and showcasing them to the world.

The film has garnered immense love globally and has become one of the most viewed films on OTT platforms after a remarkable theatrical run. Jio Studios will strive to make India proud on the international stage, and I extend my gratitude to the Film Federation of India for this honor.”

Among other contenders, Anand Ekarshi’s “Aattam” won best film at India’s National Film Awards and was considered a strong candidate, though national award winners in India do not automatically guarantee Oscar selection, unlike in some other countries.

This year’s frontrunners share a thematic focus on women’s issues. Both “All We Imagine as Light” and “Laapataa Ladies” center on female empowerment, while “Aattam” addresses the result of a se*xual assault.

In its citation, the FFI commented on the film’s portrayal of Indian women, stating: “Indian women embody a blend of submission and dominance. ‘Laapataa Ladies’ captures this diversity in a semi-idyllic setting with a touch of humor, illustrating that women can aspire to be homemakers while also seeking entrepreneurial pursuits. It tells a story that advocates for change and has the potential to resonate universally, engaging and entertaining audiences beyond just India.”

While India has a rich cinematic heritage and an impressive output, only three of its submissions have reached the final Oscar nominations: “Mother India” (1957), “Salaam Bombay!” (1988), and “Lagaan” (2001). The search for the nation’s first win in the international category continues, adding to the pressure of the annual selection process.

Expressing her gratitude, Rao stated: “I am deeply honored that ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition reflects the dedication of my entire team, whose passion brought this story to life.

Cinema serves as a powerful means to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and inspire important conversations. I hope this film resonates with audiences worldwide, just as it has in India.”