The Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences revealed the shortlist of 15 films competing for the Best International Feature Film award at the 2025 Oscars on Tuesday. Although the list included several anticipated titles, such as Emilia Perez and From Ground Zero, India's official submission, Laapataa Ladies, was notably missing. Initial responses to the Hindi film's exclusion from the shortlist, and its lack of a nomination, have been marked by frustration, with numerous online commentators attributing the blame to the Film Federation of India for 'humiliating' the nation.

Internet's anger at FFI

Laapataa Ladies, under the direction of Kiran Rao, was unanimously chosen as India's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards earlier this year. This decision sparked some controversy, as many critics argued that Payal Kapadia's Cannes-winning film, All We Imagine As Light, was a more formidable candidate.

Following Laapataa Ladies' inability to make the shortlist, similar sentiments have resurfaced. One tweet on Wednesday morning expressed, "FFI overlooked AWIAL, undermining our chances of being included. The Film Federation of India needs a complete overhaul. Those currently in positions of authority should resign and allow individuals who truly appreciate and understand the art of cinema to take charge."

A different user remarked, “Can you believe what is absent from the Oscars shortlist? This serves as a future lesson for the misguided members of the Film Federation of India committee: an Oscar campaign for your cherished desi film cannot commence in October. All We Imagine As Light had a clear trajectory towards an Oscar nomination.”

FFI's dismal track record

India's official submission to the Oscars is determined by the Film Federation of India, an independent organization designated by the Academy for this purpose. In light of the controversies surrounding India's official selections in recent years and their subsequent poor performance at the Oscars, there have been calls for the dissolution of this body.

"Once again, the Film Federation of India has disappointed; it is time for cinema enthusiasts in India to voice their dissent," remarked one film enthusiast on X (formerly Twitter). In a similar vein, another commenter stated, “This is a devastating embarrassment for India. A disastrous outcome for the Film Federation that was predictable. If success is measured by making choices that enhance competitiveness, they have completely and utterly failed. The FFI requires a complete overhaul, and personnel changes are necessary.”

Kiran Rao's film Laapataa Ladies features newcomers Sparsh Srivastava, Pratibha Ranta, and Nitanshi Goel, and established actors Ravi Kishen and Chhaya Kadam. Set in rural India during the 1990s, the narrative revolves around the mix-up of two brides and has received critical acclaim. Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light is a tribute to Mumbai's working class. This film, starring Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and Hridhu Haroon, won the Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and has garnered nominations for both the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice Awards.

There is reason for optimism in Indian cinema as well. Santosh, a Hindi film directed by Sandhya Suri and based in the UK, features Indian actors Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar. It has been selected for the Oscars shortlist as the official entry from the UK.

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