The Oscars 2025 race has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for Indian cinema fans. When Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies was announced as India’s official entry for Best International Feature Film, the excitement was palpable. Its quirky storyline, humor, and unique take on rural India in 2001 made it an instant favorite among critics and audiences alike. Everyone was rooting for it to make the cut. But, in a twist no one saw coming, it didn’t. Instead, another Hindi-language film has taken its spot on the coveted Oscars shortlist—and social media can’t stop buzzing about it.
Let’s dive into what went down, how Laapataa Ladies became a fan-favorite but fell short, and what this surprising contender brings to the table.
Laapataa Ladies: A Missed Opportunity?
Laapataa Ladies is a refreshing dramedy that follows the chaotic journey of two brides who mysteriously go missing during a train ride, throwing their families and newlywed husbands into an emotional frenzy. Directed by Kiran Rao and supported by Aamir Khan Productions, the film had a lot going for it—a stellar cast featuring Sparsh Shrivastava, Nitanshi Goel, and Chhaya Kadam, and a lighthearted yet impactful narrative about love, relationships, and identity.
When it was announced as India’s official Oscars entry, it seemed like a promising contender. However, despite the excitement, Laapataa Ladies didn’t make the shortlist. The snub left fans heartbroken and sparked debates about what went wrong. Many believe that the film’s quirky humor and niche appeal may not have resonated with the Academy, which often favors more universally relatable or socially hard-hitting themes.
Director Kiran Rao took the news in stride, saying, “Awards are great, but the real reward is the audience’s love.” Fans echoed her sentiments, with one writing, “Laapataa Ladies deserved better. It’s such a heartfelt and beautifully made film.”
The Shocking Entry: A Hindi Film from the UK
The real shocker came when another Hindi-language film, Santosh, was announced as part of the Oscars 2025 shortlist. Directed by British-Indian filmmaker Leena Yadav, this UK-produced film explores the struggles of a migrant worker navigating life in London. The narrative dives deep into issues of identity, cultural alienation, and systemic racism, offering a raw and emotional story that struck a chord with global audiences.
Starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the titular role, Santosh has been praised for its gut-wrenching storytelling and stunning performances. Siddiqui, often hailed as one of India’s finest actors, delivers a career-defining portrayal of a man grappling with his roots while trying to survive in an alienating society. Supported by Olivia Cooke and Stephen Dillane, the film brings a nuanced perspective on the immigrant experience, resonating strongly with the Academy’s love for socially relevant narratives.
Why Santosh Over Laapataa Ladies?
While Laapataa Ladies charmed Indian audiences with its relatable humor and cultural quirks, Santosh ticked the boxes for the Academy’s criteria—gritty, universally appealing, and emotionally impactful. Its exploration of themes like systemic inequality and displacement gave it an edge over Kiran Rao’s lighter narrative.
Critics have pointed out that Santosh resonates more with international viewers, especially in today’s political climate. Social media, of course, has been divided:
- “Why does the Academy always favor pain and struggle over fun, feel-good stories? Laapataa Ladies was robbed!”
- “Santosh is brilliant! Nawazuddin Siddiqui deserves all the love. Finally, a story that reflects the reality of so many immigrants.”
What’s Next for Indian Cinema?
The snubbing of Laapataa Ladies and the unexpected success of Santosh highlight the diversity of Hindi storytelling. One represents India’s vibrant cultural humor, while the other speaks to the global immigrant experience. Both films are testaments to the growing versatility of Indian cinema.
As the Oscars race heats up, Santosh has become a beacon of hope for Indian-language films, with many rooting for it to bring home the gold. Meanwhile, Laapataa Ladies continues to win hearts back home, proving that a film’s legacy goes beyond awards.
2025’s Oscars journey reminds us that cinema is subjective—what wins hearts may not always win trophies, but both can make a lasting impact. So, while Laapataa Ladies may not have made it to Hollywood, its story still holds a special place in Indian cinema. And as for Santosh? Well, the world is watching.
