The Film Federation of India (FFI) has recently chosen Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies as India's official entry for the Oscars 2025. This decision is noteworthy, especially considering that All We Imagine As Light has been making significant waves on the international film circuit. FFI President Ravi Kottarakara shared insights during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India. He explained the jury's rationale behind favouring one film over the other; however, the reasons remain somewhat ambiguous. Although both films have their merits, this choice reflects a particular vision. The selection process is complex and thus, it sparks debate among cinephiles.

Kottarakara revealed that while watching All We Imagine As Light, the jury felt that they were experiencing “a European film taking place in India, not an Indian film in India.” He emphasized that the film, directed by Payal Kapadia, lacked what the jury described as "Indian-ness," a crucial element in their selection process. In contrast, the jury believed Laapataa Ladies captured the essence of India through its central plot, which revolves around the lives of two brides who get swapped during a train journey, leading to a series of chaotic events in rural India.

In its official reference, FFI praised Laapataa Ladies for its portrayal of Indian women, stating, "Indian women are a strange mixture of submission and dominance... A Laapataa Ladies (Hindi) captures this diversity perfectly, though in a semi-idyllic world and in a tongue-in-cheek way."

The decision ignited an extensive online debate; many individuals criticized the FFI’s citation—particularly the language employed by the 13-member (all-male) jury. Addressing the controversy, Kottarakara clarified that, although the citation was misinterpreted, it was essential to understand the context. This misunderstanding arose because the language was perceived as biased; however, Kottarakara aimed to shed light on the underlying intentions. “They [the jury] wanted it to be positive,” he explained, likening Indian women to Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing benevolence, and Kali, embodying power and unpredictability.

In a distinct interview with ETimes, Kottarakara reiterated that the jury believed All We Imagine As Light bore a closer resemblance to foreign cinema than to traditional Indian storytelling. He added, “The film represents the plight of Indian women. The misunderstandings in the film arise due to traditional practices like wearing the goonghat, which is uniquely Indian.”

Laapataa Ladies (which premiered in March 2024) has been brought to life by Aamir Khan Productions, Kindling Pictures and Jio Studios. Featuring Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta and Ravi Kishan, the film unfolds in rural India during 2001. It presents a narrative that is both humorous and poignant, revolving around two brides whose identities are inadvertently swapped.

In the meantime, All We Imagine As Light garnered significant attention when it won the illustrious Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Payal Kapadia, the film focuses on Prabha (played by Kani Kusruti), a nurse in Mumbai whose existence is drastically altered because of a package from her estranged husband. However, despite its global recognition, the jury ultimately favoured Laapataa Ladies.