The Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on September 23 that Ravi Kishan’s film Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars. This comedy, which humorously addresses issues of patriarchy, triumphed over a competitive shortlist of 29 films. Following the announcement, social media erupted with users on X (formerly Twitter) questioning the selection process and criticizing the FFI’s jury citation.
One frustrated user expressed, “The Indian Oscar jury continues its streak of poor decisions by selecting Laapataa Ladies instead of Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light… What the f*** is going on?” Another user commented, “I loved Laapataa Ladies and think it’s a brilliantly made film. However, sending it to the Oscars as India’s official entry feels like giving a Player-of-the-Match award to a batter when the bowler—Cannes Grand Prix-winner All We Imagine as Light—actually won the game.”A third user lamented, “This is truly tragic. A film that could secure an Oscar nomination has been overlooked in favor of #LaapataaLadies. I hope other countries recognize All We Imagine as Light at the Oscars.
”Critics of the FFI’s decision voiced their concerns, with one user stating, “Before winning the 2023 Oscar for Best International Feature, The Zone of Interest won the Cannes Grand Prix, the same award that All We Imagine as Light received this year. Yet, Laapataa Ladies was chosen by ‘unanimous decision’. Jahnu Barua, who led the jury, hasn’t directed a film since 2018,” adding, “The FFI’s jury citation for Laapataa Ladies states that Indian women represent a strange mix of submission and dominance.
Hmm not a bad choice if they can market it well, considering its available on Netflix but looking at the buzz #AllWeImagineasLight created in the international media, it would’ve been a solid pick with more chances, a grand prix winner https://t.co/fZXr3EBPEh
Absurd decision not to choose All We Imagine As Light – a film that won the Cannes Grand Prix, received international recognition and already widely praised, as our official selection. Much as I loved Laapata Ladies… https://t.co/5xiQo1Kgex
You can’t make this stuff up.”Another user remarked, “LOL, this year India had a Cannes Grand Prix winner in All We Imagine as Light, and yet the choice was this. The FFI never fails to disappoint.”
