It was announced on Monday that the Film Federation of India has selected the Kiran Rao-directed Laapataa Ladies as India's official entry for the Best Foreign Film Category at the 2025 Academy Awards. Among other contending films was Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine as Light, which won the Grand Prix at this year's Cannes Film Festival. 

The decision to choose Laapataa Ladies has led to a lot of people on social media questioning the selection. All We Imagine as Light was the first Indian film to play in Cannes in the last 30 years. It was also shortlisted by France's Oscar committee. Deals are currently in place for the film to be distributed in countries like the US, UK, and France, which have the most number of Oscar voters. It is also interesting to note that Laapataa Ladies was screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year.

Kiran Rao said in a statement, "I am deeply honoured 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."

The controversy regarding the country's selection for the Oscars is not new. Despite producing the most number of films per year by any country, no film has won an award in the Best Foreign Film Category. In fact, only three movies have made it to the final nominations: Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2001). The selected film for last year, 2018, failed to make it to the nominations, while the previous year's selection, Last Film Show, was shortlisted, albiet outrage over the committee not picking RRR.