India’s Oscar selection: A cinematic journey through drama and triumph
Each year, as the autumn leaves begin to fall, the spotlight turns to India’s Oscar committee, a body as unpredictable and dramatic as any Bollywood blockbuster. The Film Federation of India (FFI) assembles a jury of industry veterans to sift through the year’s cinematic gems, selecting one film to represent the nation on the global stage. Despite being home to the world’s most prolific film industry, India’s track record in the international feature film race has been a rollercoaster of missed opportunities and unexpected triumphs.
The drama of selection
The selection process is often fraught with controversy. In 2013, Ritesh Batra’s critically acclaimed “The Lunchbox” was overlooked, a decision that still raises eyebrows. More recently, the global sensation “RRR” was not chosen as India’s Oscar candidate in 2022. However, the FFI managed to save face when its official submission, Pan Nalin’s ”Last Film Show,” made it to the international features shortlist. ”RRR” was later submitted separately and went on to win the Oscar for original song.
This year, the snub of “All We Imagine as Light,” the first Indian film to compete at Cannes in 30 years, has set a new precedent. Despite being shortlisted by France’s Oscar committee, it was not selected by India, leaving many to question the decision.
The chosen one: “Laapataa Ladies”
This year’s choice, Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies” (“Lost Ladies”), has sparked mixed reactions. The film, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 and enjoyed a successful box office run in India, is undoubtedly a cinematic achievement. However, the buzz surrounding “All We Imagine as Light,” which won the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes and elevated its director Payal Kapadia to celebrated auteur status, has left some feeling disappointed.
Kapadia’s film, which deals with themes of female empowerment, has secured distribution deals in the U.S., U.K., and France, the three countries with the highest number of Academy voters. Its selection as India’s Oscar candidate seemed almost certain, especially after making the French Oscar shortlist. Yet, the FFI chose “Laapataa Ladies” instead.
The power behind the choice
So, why did “Laapataa Ladies” win India’s support? Apart from its cinematic merits, the answer may lie in the financial clout of its producers. One of its backers is billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Jio Studios, part of India’s largest conglomerate, Reliance Industries Limited. Another is Aamir Khan, who previously scored an Oscar nomination for “Lagaan.” Campaigning for an Oscar is an expensive endeavor, and the combined might of its producers could be crucial in seeing “Laapataa Ladies” reach the international feature shortlist. The film is also available on Netflix, adding to its accessibility and streaming success.
A statement of intent
In a statement following the film’s Oscar selection, Jyoti Deshpande, president of media and content business at Reliance Industries Limited, expressed her gratitude and commitment: ”‘Laapataa Ladies’ being selected as India’s entry for Oscar is a true testimony of our vision and commitment to make in India and show the world… This film has got unlimited love from audiences all over the world already and is one of the most watched films globally on OTT [streaming] after its unusually long and resilient theatrical run… Jio Studios will do everything in our power to make India proud on a global stage and I thank the Film Federation of India for this honor and privilege.”
The contenders who missed out
Among the other Indian contenders, Anand Ekarshi’s “Aattam” won best film at India’s National Film Awards and was a frontrunner. However, unlike some countries where the national prize winner is guaranteed an Oscar selection, this is not the case in India. Thematically, all three of India’s frontrunners this year focused on women-oriented subjects. Both “All We Imagine as Light” and “Laapataa Ladies” are stories of female empowerment, while “Aattam” deals with the aftermath of a sexual assault incident.
A rich cinematic heritage
Despite its rich cinematic heritage and massive film output, India has seen only three of its submissions make it to the final Oscar nominations: “Mother India” (1957), “Salaam Bombay!” (1988), and “Lagaan” (2001). The country is still waiting for its first win in the international category, a gap that adds even more pressure to the annual selection process.
A director’s dream
Kiran Rao, the director of “Laapataa Ladies,” expressed her joy and gratitude: “I am deeply honored and beyond delighted that our film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been chosen 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.”
Explore the films
For those eager to dive deeper into these cinematic masterpieces, here are the trailers and information pages:
India’s journey to the Oscars is a testament to its vibrant and diverse film industry. Each selection brings with it a mix of hope, controversy, and excitement, reflecting the dynamic nature of Indian cinema.