Navjyot Bandiwadekar’s Gharat Ganpati to Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light, films that were strong contenders for India’s 2025 Oscar nominations

From the vibrant narratives of the Marathi film industry to the soulful expressions of Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema, a remarkable array of films has emerged as contenders for India’s 2025 Oscar nominations. The Film Federation of India announced on Monday that Kiran Rao’s directorial, Laapataa Ladies, will represent India in the Best Foreign Film category at the Oscars.

India’s 2025 Oscar nominations

While Laapataa Ladies is India’s official entry, other notable contenders included the Cannes Film Festival winner All We Imagine As Light by Payal Kapadia. The film garnered critical acclaim for its great storytelling and innovative approach. Also in contention was Navjyot Bandiwadekar’s directorial debut, Gharat Ganpati. The Marathi film is a poignant celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage, delving deep into the timeless traditions and familial values that define the Indian way of life.

The contender lineup continues with Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan, a sports drama that highlights India’s cricketing legacy, and Kartik Aaryan’s Chandu Champion, which promises a blend of humour and heart. Rajkummar Rao’s Srikanth and Vicky Kaushal’s Sam Bahadur add further diversity to the selection, each showcasing unique aspects of Indian society and history.

Not to be overlooked is the Malayalam film Ullozhukku, known for its distinctive narrative style and regional richness, reflecting the depth of India’s cinematic landscape. Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Basu’s Maharaja was also in the race for an Oscars entry, along with Thangalaan, Vaazhai, Kottukkali, Jamaa and Jigarthanda 2.

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As Laapataa Ladies prepare for the international stage, the other strong contenders exemplify the growing prominence of regional storytelling in Indian cinema, making a compelling case for India’s artistic vision at the Oscars. With such a strong lineup, the world will be watching to see which films will resonate most with audiences and critics alike.

Also Read: Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies becomes India’s official entry for Oscars 2025