India’s journey to the 2025 Oscars now depends on Anuja, a live-action short film produced by Guneet Monga, following the elimination of Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies from the race in the International Feature Film category. On Tuesday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the shortlists for ten categories for the forthcoming 97th Academy Awards, dashing the hopes pinned on Laapataa Ladies.
Selected as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category, Laapataa Ladies failed to progress to the next stage, leaving fans and filmmakers across the country deeply disappointed. Despite this setback, there is still a glimmer of hope for Indian cinema at the Oscars.
Guneet Monga’s Anuja has made it to the shortlist in the Best Live-Action Short Film category. This film addresses the significant issue of child labor in the garment industry, featuring Nagesh Bhonsle in a pivotal role. The selection of Anuja represents a continuation of Monga’s successful association with the Oscars, as this marks her third nomination. Her previous projects, The Elephant Whisperers and Period: End of Sentence, both won Oscars, elevating the global reputation of Indian cinema.
Reflecting on her achievement, Monga stated, “The Oscars have always been a platform to showcase impactful stories, and I am thrilled that Anuja has been recognized. This is a story that needs to be told, and I hope it resonates globally.”
In addition to Anuja, another film connected to India remains in contention at the Oscars. The British-Indian production Santosh, directed by Sandhya Suri, is vying for recognition. Featuring Shahana Goswami in a key role, Santosh is the United Kingdom’s official entry for the Academy Awards. Earlier this year, the film garnered attention when it premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival, further solidifying its credentials as a strong contender.
The Academy announced a total of 30 films shortlisted across the categories of Best Live-Action Short and Best Animated Short Films. Among the live-action contenders, titles like Clodagh, The Compatriot, Crust, Dovecote, Edge of Space, and The Ice Cream Man have also been shortlisted, adding to the excitement of the competition.
As the 97th Academy Awards draw closer, Indian cinema enthusiasts will be watching anxiously, hoping that Anuja can replicate the past successes of Indian films at the Oscars. Monga’s commitment to highlighting socially relevant stories through her films ensures that India’s voice remains strong on the global stage.
With Anuja leading the charge, the focus now shifts to the next round of voting, where the final nominees will be decided. For now, the anticipation continues as fans rally behind this powerful short film, which holds the promise of keeping India’s Oscar dreams alive.
