Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies has become the talk of the town, following its announcement as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025. Ever since the news broke, social media has been abuzz with conversations, debates, and a mix of praises and critiques. This film, which showcases the lives of Indian women, made by an Indian woman, has sparked meaningful discussions across platforms.
One key member of the Laapataa Ladies team, Writer Sneha Desai, recently shared her thoughts about the film’s Oscar journey and her reaction to the overwhelming love and recognition it has received.
Sneha Desai’s Oscar Debut
For Sneha, who made her debut as a writer with Laapataa Ladies, this moment is nothing short of surreal. Reflecting on the excitement of the film's selection, she said, “It is a victory. The entire team, the cast, and the crew are terribly excited. It’s a long and cumbersome journey ahead, but right now, we are having a wonderful time.” Sneha acknowledges that while there are further hurdles to clear on the path to the Oscars, she’s enjoying the moment.
A Unique Story with Heart
Laapataa Ladies tells the story of two brides who accidentally get swapped at a railway station, leading to a series of misadventures. The film blends humor, life lessons, and a subtle commentary on women’s empowerment, all wrapped in a fast-paced, engaging narrative. Although the film touches on empowerment, Sneha hesitates to categorize it as a “feminist film.”
“I don’t think I’d like to call it a feminist film,” she explained. “It talks about women and empowerment but doesn’t wear its feminism on its sleeve. We address issues in a tongue-in-cheek way and encourage women to find solutions within the structure we live in.”
The Oscar Buzz
Sneha also spoke candidly about the excitement of the Oscars recognition. “It’s surreal that our film is India’s entry to the Oscars. In an industry often driven by star power, this recognition has brought a lot of attention to me as a debutante writer. I’ve been receiving congratulatory messages from various production houses, and it’s like a dream come true,” she shared.
No Male-Bashing: A Balanced Narrative
What sets Laapataa Ladies apart is its approach to gender dynamics. The film doesn’t engage in “male-bashing” to make its point. Instead, it presents male characters who are kind, loving, and supportive. Sneha highlighted the importance of showing collaboration between genders rather than competition.
“I think men and women are supposed to complement each other, not compete. Our film wanted to show that wonderful friendships and partnerships are possible when hearts are in the right place. We didn’t want to create a narrative where men are the enemy,” she said.
A Subtle Commentary on Identity
The film’s symbolism runs deep, particularly in its use of the ghoonghat (veil), which represents the stereotypical barriers women face. Sneha explained, “It’s about finding your identity, with or without the veil. The veil is just a trigger for the story, but how that leads to a comedy of errors and life lessons is what makes Laapataa Ladies special.”
A Film That Stirs Reflection
What Laapataa Ladies achieves goes beyond box office numbers. The film aims to engage audiences’ conscience, urging them to think about gender equality and the need for change. Sneha emphasized that the film doesn’t belittle women who choose traditional roles, nor does it glorify those with professional ambitions. Instead, it celebrates women’s ability to make mindful decisions, whatever their path.
The film’s simplicity and subtlety make it a standout, leaving viewers with lasting impressions. It had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and released in Indian theaters on March 1, 2024, to rave reviews.
A Star-Studded Production
Backed by Kiran Rao’s Kindling Productions, Aamir Khan Productions, and Jio Studios, Laapataa Ladies features an ensemble cast including Pratibha Ranta, Nitanshi Goel, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Chhaya Kadam. The film is produced by Aamir Khan, adding yet another feather to his cap in promoting thought-provoking cinema.
As the journey to the Oscars continues, Laapataa Ladies stands as a testament to the power of women-centric stories, crafted with nuance and heart. Whether it makes it to the final nominations or not, it has already made a significant mark on the cinematic landscape.
