The Film Federation of India declared the official Indian entry of Kiran Rao directed ‘Laapataa Ladies’ for the Oscars 2024. The film produced by Aamir Khan, features Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Srivastava, and Nitanshi Goel in prominent roles. ‘Laapataa Ladies’ was chosen from a list of 29 films including ‘Animal’ and ‘Aattam’.

Soon after the announcement was made, netizens took to the social media platform to express their emotions. People are talking about the film’s selection as well as the remarks made by the Film Federation of India in its jury citation for ‘Laapataa Ladies’. While some are praising the choice, others totally don’t seem happy about it. Here’s how they react – 

“LOL, this year India had a Cannes grand prix winner in All we imagine as light and India chose this. FFI never fails to disappoint,” wrote a user on X. Meanwhile, another user tweeted, “I loved Laapataa Ladies and believe it’s a supremely well-made film. But sending it to the Oscars as India’s official entry is like handing a batter a Player-of-the-Match Award when you have proof a bowler – Cannes Grand Prix-winner All We Imagine As Light – won you the game.”

Another X user said, “The Indian Oscar jury has continued its stupidity streak and selected Laapataa Ladies for Oscars instead of Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light. Given her history with the government, this was probably expected. What the f*** even.” Praising the movie, another person wrote, “Considering that this deals with rural #India and has some social values attached to it- this seems to be the ideal fit for #Oscar nomination.”

“All We Imagine as Light is the winner of Grand Prix at Cannes 2024 — last year’s winner of the award won the Best International Feature at the Oscar’s (the Zone of Interest). An incompetent body made up of people illiterate about cinema and who want to manifest their biases,” another commented. Similarly, another said, “LOL (laughing out loud), this year India had a Cannes Grand Prix winner in All we imagine as light and India chose this. FFI never fails to disappoint.”

Additionally, some were amused by the announcement. “Indian women are a strange mixture of submission and dominance,” one wrote. Reacting to this, an X user said, “‘Indian women are a strange mixture of submission and dominance’ is a crazy opening for a jury citation.” While another said, “I mean, they could have at least spelt the jury correctly.” 

“Looks like the Film Federation of India saved the government’s face by avoiding All We Imagine as Light as India’s Oscar entry. The Cannes Grand Prix was an awkward moment for the govt having to congratulate director Payal Kapadia against whom its fighting a case,” another X user stated.