Laapataa Ladies fails to make it to the list

Bollywood director Kiran Rao's film Laapataa Ladies (now retitled Lost Ladies) did not make it to the shortlist for the 2025 Oscars in the Best International Feature category. The shortlist, announced on December 17, excluded the coming-of-age drama, which had previously been selected as India's official entry for the 97th Academy Awards.

The film, which explores the lives of two young brides in rural India separated from their husbands, was chosen by a 13-member selection committee, led by Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua, who praised Rao's portrayal of the diversity of Indian women. Despite its initial recognition, Lost Ladies failed to advance in the competition.

In a notable turn, another film featuring Indian actors, Santosh, has made it to the Oscars 2025 shortlist, representing the UK.