Oscars 2025: Veer Savarkar, Maidaan and others, a look at shortlisted Indian movies

As the prestigious Oscars 2025 approach, the spotlight is once again on the Indian films that have been shortlisted to represent the country's diverse and rich cinematic landscape. Among these films, Laapata Ladies by Kiran Rao has garnered much attention as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category. However, several other high-profile Indian productions were considered, showcasing a range of genres and storytelling styles, underlining the evolution of Indian cinema on the global stage.

Laapata Ladies– India’s Official Entry

Kiran Rao’s Laapata Ladies stands out as a bold and satirical examination of patriarchy set against the backdrop of rural India. The film explores themes of gender inequality and the complexities of women’s roles in society. With its thought-provoking narrative, the film delves into the trials faced by women in patriarchal structures, making it a strong contender in the highly competitive Best International Feature Film category.

Films that Were Contenders

The road to being selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars is a challenging one, with several other outstanding films in the running. These films reflect the diversity of Indian cinema, both in terms of language and genre, and highlight the industry’s growing global influence.

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1. Animal– Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal stars Ranbir Kapoor in a much-anticipated action thriller. The film explores the tumultuous relationship between a father and son, interwoven with themes of crime, vengeance, and power. Kapoor’s intense performance, combined with Vanga’s direction, positioned *Animal* as a strong contender, demonstrating India’s prowess in high-octane commercial cinema.

2. Kalki 2898 AD – A Telugu-language film, Kalki 2898 AD is a futuristic science-fiction epic that blends action with philosophical musings. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the film stars Prabhas and Deepika Padukone, bringing star power and a gripping narrative that challenges the boundaries of Indian filmmaking. This ambitious project, with its stunning visual effects and elaborate world-building, also competed for the coveted Oscars entry spot.

3. Maidaan– Directed by Amit Sharma and starring Ajay Devgn, Maidaa is a sports drama that tells the inspiring story of Indian football coach Syed Abdul Rahim. The film highlights the golden era of Indian football in the 1950s and 60s, focusing on the determination, perseverance, and grit required to achieve greatness. The powerful storytelling, combined with Devgn’s commanding performance, positioned *Maidaan* as one of the top contenders in this year's Oscar race.

4. Swatantrya Veer Savarkar– A biopic of the controversial Indian freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar examines the life and legacy of one of India’s most polarizing figures. Featuring Randeep Hooda in a transformative role, the film dives deep into the political and philosophical views of Savarkar, making it a notable entry for the Academy’s consideration.

5. Article 370– A politically charged thriller, Article 370 features Yami Gautam in the lead role. The film is a gripping narrative centered around the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, blending action with commentary on the socio-political implications of the decision. Gautam’s performance, along with the film's tense atmosphere, brought attention to this thought-provoking piece of cinema.

Regional Films That Shined

Indian cinema’s diversity was also showcased through several regional films that competed for a place at the Oscars. These films demonstrated the unique storytelling styles from different corners of the country, from independent gems to big-budget spectacles.

1. Aattam – A National Award-winning film, Aattam brought attention to the Tamil-language film industry. The film’s unique narrative, exploring intricate family dynamics, made it a strong contender for the Oscars shortlist. Its subtle storytelling and deep character studies resonated with critics and audiences alike.

2. All We Imagine As Light – Another standout was All We Imagine As Light which made waves at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. The film’s international acclaim highlighted the growing importance of India’s independent cinema scene. With a focus on human emotions and relationships, it showcases the quieter, more introspective side of Indian storytelling.

3. Joram – Featuring Manoj Bajpayee, Joram was another regional film in the running. The film, which examines the intersection of environmentalism and personal struggle, is a gritty drama that emphasizes the raw talent of its cast and the intricacies of its screenplay.

The Telugu Film Industry’s Strong Presence

In addition to Kalki 2898 AD, the Telugu film industry continued to make its mark with other notable films:

1. Mangavalaram– A horror-thriller that brings supernatural elements to life, Mangavalaram captivated audiences with its unique storytelling and eerie atmosphere. The film’s distinct voice in the horror genre added to the diveorsity of films considered for the Oscars.

2. Hanu-Man– A superhero film that became a critical and commercial success, Hanu-Man demonstrated the Telugu film industry's growing influence and innovation. The film’s narrative, based on mythological themes, brought a fresh perspective to Indian cinema's traditional superhero genre.