OPINION: Laapataa Ladies’ entry in Oscars 2025 is a revolution— of rural tales, feminism in cinema and a satirical dig at society

As a young, progressive man who has grown up with strong, independent women around me, I can confidently say that India has truly outdone itself with Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies being selected as our official entry for the Oscars 2025. This rural tale of switched brides, though seemingly conventional, is a game-changer in its portrayal of women empowerment and the fight against patriarchy.

India has already won! This is the first thought that came to my mind when I heard that Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry to Oscars 2025. Who thought that this rural, simple tale about the switching up of brides would make it this big? A story so conventional, slamming the patriarchy and paving the way for the big, bold women has beat many high-profile, big-budget movies to stand where it is today.

It’s undeniable that outshining movies like “Animal” and “Kalki 2989 AD,” both boasting impressive star-studded casts, is no easy task in Bollywood. However, the victory of “Laapataa Ladies” over the controversial film “Animal,” which was criticized for its misogynistic and crude portrayal of women, makes this recognition especially significant.

Despite being released without any initial hype, big-name stars, or a storyline catering to Generation Z, Laapataa Ladies managed to find its audience. This fact alone highlights the enduring influence of cinema – even on unexpected occasions!

I believe Laapataa Ladies is a ‘revolution’ because it’s rare for a film to resonate so deeply that it stays with you long after the credits roll. Think of those films that linger in your thoughts, making you replay scenes and seek explanations. Sometimes, when we can’t find our own answers, we turn to Google, asking questions like “What is the ending of Laapataa Ladies?

Movies like these, with their powerful visuals and thought-provoking narratives, linger in your mind and challenge your perception of the world. As a 23-year-old man who values my mother and sisters deeply, Laapataa Ladies served as an enlightening experience for me, revealing the profound issues concerning women in our society that continue to exist. It seems, as we approach 2025, our society appears to be making little progress. While there may have been slight advancements, it’s evident that we still struggle with sensitivity, lack of opportunity, financial independence, pursuit of dreams, self-discovery, and many other aspects related to women.

Years ago, I recall reading an article by Puja Kaushik titled, “Where Do Girls Studying Alongside You End Up?

The movie resonated deeply with me, causing me to reflect on the women from my past who seemed to vanish along their journey, leaving no trace. Similarly, Laapataa Ladies portrays a tale of many women whose dreams are snuffed out by oppressive obligations, and their silent suffering goes unnoticed.

In the film, Pratibha Ranta’s character miraculously endures and expresses her perspective, but this likely represents only a small fraction of what truly transpires at ground level. Cinema audiences in India should be grateful to Kiran Rao for sharing this story on the silver screen because such narratives are crucial and often overlooked, as they don’t always guarantee financial success at the box office.

One reason I consider Laapataa Ladies a groundbreaking change is because in recent years, the film industry has primarily focused on commercial aspects, leaving less room for heartfelt stories like this one. After the economic downturn following the pandemic, taking such a risk – or more accurately, having the courage to produce a story like this – was truly commendable.

Bravo to Aamir Khan and the whole production team for putting faith in Phool’s resolve and Inspector Shyam Manohar’s unique touch. When many doubted that Laapataa Ladies would merely reach the status of a critically acclaimed film, it managed to become a commercial success as well – all on a modest budget. It’s remarkable what this project achieved when few believed in it!

I referred to Laapataa Ladies as a revolution because it reshaped the concept of feminism for Indian viewers. It’s regrettable that the pursuit of equality has often been misconstrued in cinema. Some assume that women having freedom is synonymous with feminism, while others think that challenging stereotypes only makes one a feminist. In this case, Laapataa Ladies stepped into the limelight and clarified all doubts without explicitly using the word “feminism”.

The story subtly suggests that Jaya’s desire to learn and succeed was equally significant as Phool’s yearning for her spouse and home. Both choices empowered the women to decide their paths and make choices that benefited them best, which is a modern interpretation of feminism. It’s not always about promoting equality or one gender over the other; instead, it’s about ensuring that if a man is free from biases regarding certain actions or opportunities, women should also be liberated from such reservations.

It’s just as crucial to remember the importance of individuals like Phool and Jaya in our society, yet we also deserve characters such as Manju Maai (portrayed by Chhaya Kadam). These women may not have envisioned a grand future for themselves, but they embody friendship in their unique way. They serve as proof that harsh words are not always intended to cause harm, but can sometimes shape us into stronger individuals instead.

This film, Laapataa Ladies, is considered a revolution because it offers a critique of society and establishes new boundaries for women. Kiran Rao’s return to directing after 14 years couldn’t have been more fitting, as she was the ideal candidate to bring this story to life since no one else could have done it quite as effectively.

I’d like to take a moment to express my gratitude towards Biplab Goswami, whose brilliant mind was the architect behind the captivating storyline that served as the foundation for the film. Sneha Desai and Divyanidhi Sharma, two remarkable women, also played significant roles in this project. They intuitively recognized the moment’s importance and tirelessly poured their creativity into crafting a masterpiece that resonates deeply.

Regardless of whether Laapataa Ladies secures a nomination or not, India has already triumphed. The caliber of films it competed against in its bid to represent India at the 97th Academy Awards is worth noting. In time, Laapataa Ladies will undoubtedly serve as a symbol of the feminist movement within Indian cinema, and future generations will savor the sense of pride that comes from being part of cinematic history.

Wishing the whole Laapataa Ladies team and Kiran Rao the very best. I hope they continue to produce films regularly; the wait was certainly worthwhile.

But don’t forget, be it Phool or Jaya, we must remember that ‘Woh Stree hai, kuch bhi kar sakti hai’.

2024-09-23 21:38

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