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One of the most celebrated Hindi films of the year, Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, garnered immense acclaim for its artistry and storytelling. The film, which was selected as India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars, unfortunately did not make it to the recently announced shortlist by The Academy. This development officially marks the end of Laapataa Ladies’ journey in the race for the prestigious award.

Meanwhile, a noteworthy entrant in the same category is Santosh, a United Kingdom production filmed in the rural heartlands of India. Directed by Sandhya Suri, the film received international acclaim and earned its place among the 15 films shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film award. It premiered earlier this year at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, further solidifying its reputation as a cinematic masterpiece.

Santosh follows the gripping story of a young widow, Shahana, who inherits her late husband’s job as a police constable. As she adjusts to her new role, she becomes entangled in institutional corruption while investigating the harrowing murder of a teenage Dalit girl. The narrative skillfully explores issues of caste, gender, and systemic injustice in contemporary India. With a stellar performance by Sunita Rajwar as Inspector Sharma, the film brings a unique, poignant lens to social and institutional dynamics.

Out of 85 eligible countries and regions, only 15 international films advanced to the next round of voting for the Oscars. The inclusion of Santosh highlights the global appeal of stories rooted in Indian soil, even as Laapataa Ladies’ exclusion remains a bittersweet moment for Indian cinema enthusiasts.

As the Oscars approach, all eyes will be on Santosh as it represents a nuanced tale of resilience and justice on one of the world’s biggest cinematic stages.