India’s “lost ​ladies” shines on Netflix and eyes Oscar glory

India’s cinematic gem, “Lost Ladies” (Laapataa Ladies), has been turning heads on Netflix and is now setting its⁣ sights ​on the Oscars.

A remarkable journey to the ‍Oscars

“Lost Ladies” has been⁢ chosen as India’s submission for the prestigious Oscar awards, selected over another notable contender,⁢ “All‌ We Imagine as Light.” The film’s unique narrative caught the jury’s eye, showcasing ⁢the subjective nature ⁣of art and storytelling. Director Kiran Rao ⁤expressed her delight at being considered alongside Cannes Grand Prix-winning films, emphasizing the ⁢film’s ability to spark ⁢meaningful conversations on pressing themes.

“I’m delighted that I’m in the same breath as ​a ⁢film that’s ⁣won⁤ at⁤ Cannes,”​ said Rao. “Film ​is highly ⁢subjective. Clearly, the⁣ jury felt that our film ⁤was worthy and was unanimously⁣ chosen. The film sparks conversations around themes that we feel very strongly about.”

A peek ⁣into the plot and production

Set in rural India in 2001, “Lost ⁢Ladies” tells the ‌intriguing ⁤story of two young brides who, wearing identical crimson veils, are accidentally swapped during‍ a train journey to their husbands’ villages.

The film premiered at the ⁣Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) before enjoying a successful theatrical run ‍in India. The production is a ‌collaborative effort between Jio ‌Studios, Aamir ‌Khan‍ Productions, ​and Kindling ⁤Pictures, ensuring a blend of​ creative and financial‌ backing‌ that has positioned it strongly in the cinematic landscape.

Global relevance and cultural authenticity

According to Rao, while ‌the storyline is deeply rooted in Indian culture, it‍ resonates globally by addressing women’s freedoms and​ agency. It explores themes​ that ⁤are universal⁣ in women’s experiences, ‍making it ⁢a globally‌ relevant narrative.

“While⁢ the film is very specific in its story… it’s also a very global story, because it speaks to women’s experiences everywhere,”⁢ noted Rao. “It’s about women’s ‍freedoms, about ⁢women’s ‍agency, about finding their ‍own identity and⁣ purpose.”

Jyoti Deshpande, president of media and content business at ​Reliance Industries, highlighted how the ‌film portrays women’s empowerment while‍ respecting Indian traditions. Rather than presenting ⁢a one-sided critique, the film allows its female‌ protagonists to embrace their culture on their own terms,​ offering an inspiring‍ and uplifting narrative.

“The protagonists in our ‌film [are] finding themselves, which is why lost⁢ ladies metaphorically ​as well,⁢ without actually slamming men or bashing ⁢men who are part of the ecosystem. The ⁢women embrace their culture,​ but on their own terms, which⁢ is more hopeful and inspiring and uplifting than telling the ⁣story in any other way,” Deshpande⁣ remarked.

The strategic Oscar campaign

A focused strategy is in place to ensure “Lost Ladies” ‍makes a mark during awards season. The campaign, managed by Shelter PR for the⁣ U.S. ​and‍ Natasha Mudhar in the U.K., emphasizes on-ground screenings ‍to complement ​the film’s availability ‍on Netflix.

Deshpande articulated the team’s ​pragmatic ​approach:

“We⁤ are hustling. It’s a small film, and we’re ‍backing it⁤ with as ⁣much ‍capital as possible. But​ like all small films, the capital is not open-ended, so we are ​careful about how we spend⁢ our​ money.”

Making waves on Netflix

Though specific viewing statistics haven’t been disclosed, “Lost Ladies”‌ has shattered ⁢many‌ records on Netflix, consistently ‌remaining among the top​ three watched films for consecutive weeks.‌ This ⁣remarkable digital performance has amplified its visibility​ and ‍built a ‌strong viewer base worldwide.

“It ⁢has smashed many records in terms of how⁤ long it has ​been on top three watched films for⁢ multiple weeks ⁣consecutively,”‍ Deshpande noted.

Looking towards the future

The district of international features saw India receive only three⁣ nominations over the ‌past 67 years, without a win.⁣ However, ⁤Deshpande⁤ remains ‌optimistic about “Lost Ladies”‍ breaking the‍ streak, thanks to⁤ its empowering message and cultural resonance. The film has had several‍ firsts ⁤and⁤ showcases new India’s‍ spirit ‌of⁤ empowerment through‌ its strong women-centric ⁤narrative.

“We’ve​ had many firsts this year. And I⁤ think if any film can⁣ do it, this film can do it. It talks about new India, ‍talks about women empowerment,” Deshpande said. “It’s ⁤a film helmed ⁣by a⁤ woman filmmaker, a woman ⁣studio⁣ head, some amazing performances, ‍some great music,⁣ which seems⁤ to have really resonated with audiences.”

Keen to mobilize support, Deshpande⁢ encourages everyone who⁢ has watched and resonated with ⁢the film to talk about it and share their positive vibes.⁢ This‍ grassroots approach to building ‌momentum is crucial for small films looking to ⁢make an⁤ impact⁢ during‌ award seasons.

Keep following for more updates on “Lost Ladies”⁤ and other cinematic‌ journeys as India carves its path on the global stage.

For more ‍on the latest films, ​explore trailers and deeper insights on Movieetv.com.

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