‘If our film is…’ – Filmmaker Kiran Rao reveals if her latest ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is going for Oscars

‘Laapataa Ladies’, Kiran Rao’s comeback film as director, is eagerly awaited. The director Kiran, who was recently spotted at a screening in Delhi, revealed that she may submit the movie for an Oscar nomination the following year.

According to Money Control, Kiran Rao stated, “Our primary recognition comes from the audience’s response at the box office,” when asked if she would submit ‘Laapataa Ladies’ for an Oscar nomination the following year. This was during a recent screening of the movie in Delhi. The biggest compliment we could receive would be if the public and viewers enjoyed what we did.”

In an exclusive interview with DNA, the director discussed the choice of a fictional location for the narrative, saying, “We simply felt that the second you say Bihar, UP, or Maharashtra, it becomes the story of a particular culture or region, which this is not. It’s a broader perspective on the experiences that women have in life. We had no intention of expanding it. This also granted us the freedom to make our own rules, which are followed in our state of Nirmal Pradesh. There is no disputing what transpires in our hypothetical state. We are not disparaging any individual. It also makes it easier for you to avoid those who might find anything offensive.”

Laapataa Ladies to blow our minds?

The director continued, adding that she would make her decision based on the response the film receives, “There is a specific community tasked with assessing and selecting the finest films of the year, and if our film is deemed worthy, we will submit it for the prestigious Oscars. But for the time being, we are looking forward to the recognition that we have not yet received on March 1, 2024, which may indicate the release of the movie.”

The story, which takes place in 2001, centres on two young brides who part ways on a train and police officer Kishan’s investigation into the missing person’s case. ‘Laapataa Ladies’, which is being screened by Jio Studios, is a production of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions.

‘Laapataa Ladies’, directed by Kiran Rao, marks the director’s 13-year directorial debut. Sparsh Srivastava, Pratibha Ranta, and Nitanshi Goel play the main roles, while Ravi Kishan and Chhaya Kadam have important roles as well. The movie will open in theaters in India on March 1 following its triumphant premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last year.