The announcement of Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies as India’s official entry for the Oscars in 2025 has ignited a wave of discussion online, particularly regarding the exclusion of Payal Kapadia’s acclaimed All We Imagine As Light, which recently won a prize at Cannes. Many netizens have voiced their belief that Kapadia’s film was ‘robbed’ of this prestigious opportunity, highlighting the passionate attachment audiences have to cinematic representation.
At the helm of the 12-member jury responsible for this decision was Assamese director Jahnu Barua, who recently shared insights into the selection process with The Indian Express. He emphasized that the jury’s primary responsibility is to choose a film that embodies the essence of India—its social systems and cultural ethos. “The Indianness is very important,” Barua remarked, underscoring that Laapataa Ladies excelled in this area.
The deliberation process was thorough, spanning 7-8 days in Chennai, during which the jury reviewed 29 films. Barua described the experience as both exciting and passionate, characterized by extensive discussions among jury members who were committed to the love of Indian cinema. He noted that while selecting the final entry took only half a day, the groundwork involved continuous dialogue about the merits of each film.
Barua also acknowledged a broader issue facing Indian cinema: the limited number of films submitted for consideration. “We need a system in place to do justice to the kind of films coming from Indian cinema,” he stated, advocating for a mechanism that allows the best possible representation on the global stage.
While he maintained that he felt no pressure in his role, Barua highlighted the importance of an unbiased selection process, free from external influences. His commitment to integrity in decision-making is commendable, especially given the significance of representing India at such a prestigious event.
As the debate continues, it raises an important question about how Indian cinema is curated for international recognition. The passion for films like All We Imagine As Light should not be overlooked, and the industry must find ways to celebrate diverse narratives that resonate with global audiences. Ultimately, the selection of Laapataa Ladies reflects not only artistic choices but also the complexities of cultural representation in a diverse and vibrant cinematic landscape.
