(Image source from: Instagram.com/raodyness)

Kiran Rao's Laapata Ladies is once again at the top of the viewing charts after being voted India's official Oscar film. The proud filmmaker said in an interview that he is confident that audiences across the world will relate to the film despite the setting and cultural differences. "I think this film touches on universal themes, so it transcends all sorts of cultural barriers, languages, rural and urban ideas, and is a story of sisterhood, a story of women, a story of caring for each other." It feels like a story of Hope, so I feel like people can relate to them universally.”

Does the popularity of Lapatta Ladies show that even Indian films are finding a growing audience worldwide? Different cultures and sometimes problems and concerns that we share because we can as global citizens. “I think even though this film is very specific to India and perhaps specific to this small village, it still speaks the common language of hope for women and progress,” said the 50-year-old filmmaker.

Directed by Kiran Rao and produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions, Kindling Pictures and Jio Studios, Laapata Ladies hit theaters on March 1, 2024. The film features an all-new cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta and Supashu Shrivastav. and Chaya Kadam – ably supported by veteran actor Ravi Kishan. Laapataa Ladies is a film about two brides who accidentally switch places during a train journey. Set in rural India in 2001, the story of this film follows the story of a husband who embarks on a journey with unexpected twists and turns to find his true bride. Laapataa Ladies was selected for the Oscars 2025 from a shortlist of 29 films, including films in various languages such as Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam.