Laapataa Ladies in Oscars: Kill producer Guneet Monga feels only films with American distributors should be sent for competition; here’s why

by

Laapataa Ladies in Oscars: Kill producer Guneet Monga feels only films with American distributors should be sent for competition; here's why

As a passionate film enthusiast and someone who has been closely following the Indian cinema scene for years, I must say that Guneet Monga’s insights into the Oscars selection process are both enlightening and thought-provoking. Her extensive experience in producing critically acclaimed films like The Elephant Whisperers and Period. End of Sentence gives her a unique perspective on the intricacies involved in securing an Oscar nomination for Indian films.

Kiran Rao’s highly praised movie “Laapataa Ladies” has been chosen as India’s representative for the Oscars. In response, acclaimed Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga, known for her work on documentaries like “The Elephant Whisperers” and “Period. End of Sentence”, underscores the importance of selecting films with distribution in the U.S. when aiming for Oscar consideration. She pointed out, “The committee here is always thinking we should send our best film, as if they are giving the award. However, you have to submit a film that has American distribution, full stop. It’s an American award.

For those who might not know, I’m referring to the Laapataa Ladies and their rivals – Payal Kapadia’s masterpiece, All We Imagine As Light. This extraordinary film marked a significant milestone as the first Indian production in many years to be showcased in the competitive category at the renowned Cannes Film Festival. Not only was it featured there, but it also took home the highly respected Grand Prix award.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but echo Guneet Monga’s insights from her Mid-Day interview. She beautifully underscores the importance of having a robust American distributor for films contending for the Academy Awards. In essence, she stresses that to truly represent India at the Oscars, we must first secure a strong foothold in America.

After contemplating her time with The Elephant Whisperers, she voiced her respect for the intricate system that thrives on substantial contributions of time, funds, and effort from around the world. She also drew attention to an unsettling pattern: since Lagaan in 2001, no Indian film has been nominated in the Best International Feature category at the Oscars. Despite Aamir Khan, star of Lagaan, being a producer for Laapataa Ladies, the film faces a significant hurdle as it currently lacks an American distributor, a point Guneet emphasized as crucial.

In my perspective as a devoted follower, I’d like to share an insight gained from the producer of “The Kill.” They highlighted that the success of “Lagaan” was partly due to its distribution by Sony Pictures Classics. Understanding the significance of having a U.S. distributor, Guneet strongly advises filmmakers and media personnel alike to prioritize projects meeting this criteria. She reinforced her argument by referencing Netflix’s role in boosting projects like “Period. End of Sentence” and “The Elephant Whisperers,” providing strong promotional frameworks. Furthermore, she emphasized HBO’s instrumental role in promoting Shaunak Sen’s “All That Breathes.

As an ardent admirer, let me rephrase Guneet Monga’s statement in a more personal and engaging way: I, personally, applaud the achievement of being nominated, but I can’t help but acknowledge the grueling journey from being shortlisted to receiving that nomination. It’s a battlefield that demands immense effort, often overlooked. Moreover, I find it hard not to criticize the Film Federation of India (FFI) for what I perceive as a major blunder in their selection process.

She made it clear that the committee typically values selecting the film they consider most excellent over considering one with potential for an Oscar nomination. Highlighting the necessity of American distribution, she remarked, “A film must possess American distribution, full stop. It’s an American prize.

In the meantime, the creators of Laapataa Ladies are rejoicing because their film has been chosen as India’s entry for the Oscars 2025, which brings a sense of national pride. Directed by the skilled Kiran Rao, this charming comedy-drama showcases a new group of talented young actors, such as Nitanshi Goel, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Pratibha Ranta, along with veteran performers like Chhaya Kadam and Ravi Kishan.

The tale of the whimsical nature unfolds around two brides, Phool and Pushpa, who accidentally exchange roles during a train trip, causing a chain of humorous mishaps. Laapataa Ladies debuted globally at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2023, and captivated Indian spectators in cinemas on March 1, 2024. Subsequently, it became available on Netflix on April 26.

Read More

2024-09-28 12:08