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For director Kiran Rao, 2024 is turning out to be an amazing one. She returned after more than a decade as a director with Laapataa Ladies. The movie released in theatres on March 1, 2024 and received mostly positive reviews from critics. Produced by Aamir Khan Productions, the social satire was widely loved by the audience upon its OTT release. The cast includes Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta and Sparsh Shrivastava. The movie is now sent as India’s official entry at the 97th Academy Awards, aka Oscars 2025. After Dhobi Ghat (2010), Laapataa Ladies was Kiran Rao’s second movie as a director. The story was penned by Biplab Goswami and the screenplay was written by Sneha Desai. The movie was selected amongst 29 Indian movies as India’s official entry for the Academy Awards next year to be nominated in the Best International Film category. The filmmaker has now shared her reaction to the same. In a statement, Kiran Rao said that she is deeply honoured as her film is selected as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. “This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope that this film will resonate with audiences across the world, just as it has in India. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the selection committee and to everyone who believed in this film. It is indeed a great privilege to be selected from among such amazing Indian films this year – who are equally worthy contenders for this honor. My deepest thanks go to Aamir Khan Productions and Jio Studios for their unwavering support and faith in this vision,” said the director. Kiran Rao added that it has been a privilege to work with passionate and talented people who had the same commitment as hers to tell the story. She also congratulated the cast and crew, whose dedication and hard work helped the film become what it is. Rao also thanked the audience for their love and support the movie has received since its release. “Thank you once again for this incredible honor. We look forward to taking this journey ahead with great enthusiasm,” Rao said.

Watch the Laapata Ladies trailer

Laapataa Ladies also received a tremendous response when it released on Netflix. The audience loved the story, performances, and the music, composed by Ram Sampath. Songs Doubtwa and Sajni became instant favourites of many people. Along with Nitanshi, Pratibha, and Sparsh’s performances, actors Chhaya Kadam and Ravi Kishan also left a great impact with their acting.

 Laapataa Ladies has become India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025. Director Kiran Rao is quite elated and has shared her thoughts on the same. Check it out.