CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: ‘Missing Ladies’ Out of the 97th Academy Awards 2025 Race

The film Missing Ladies has been officially excluded from the race for the 97th Academy Awards 2025. The movie failed to make it to the shortlist of the top 15 films, as announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, British-Indian director Sandhya’s film Santosh successfully secured a spot in the top 15 and will represent the United Kingdom at the Oscars.

Missing Ladies was submitted in the Foreign Film category by the Film Federation of India (FFI), which announced its selection on September 23, 2024. Directed by Kiran Rao and produced under the Aamir Khan Productions banner, the movie stars Ravi Kishan, Sparsh Srivastav, Pratibha Ranta, and Nitanshi Goel in key roles.

The nominations for the Oscars will be revealed on January 17, 2025, with the awards ceremony scheduled for March 2, 2025, where the winners will be announced.

Selection and Competition

The Film Federation of India’s 13-member jury had selected Missing Ladies from a pool of 29 films for the Oscars. The competition included notable titles like Hanu-Man, Kalki 2898 AD, Animal, Chandu Champion, Sam Bahadur, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Good Luck, Gharat Ganpati, Maidaan, Joram, Kottukali, Jama, Article 370, Attam, Aadujeevitham, and All We Imagine As Light. However, Missing Ladies was chosen to represent India.

India has previously received three nominations in the Oscars’ Foreign Film category: Mother India, Salaam Bombay, and Lagaan, but has yet to win.

Kiran Rao’s Statement

Director Kiran Rao expressed her gratitude following the film’s selection, stating, “I feel deeply honored and thrilled that our film Missing Ladies was chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and passion of my entire team, who brought this story to life. I hope the film resonates with audiences worldwide.”

She also thanked the selection committee, Aamir Khan Productions, and Jio Studios for their unwavering support, along with the audience who showered love on the film.

Success and Storyline

Released on March 1, 2024, Missing Ladies was made on a modest budget of ₹5 crores and grossed ₹25 crores at the box office. Despite its average commercial performance, the film received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences.

The story begins in a rural village during the wedding season. Two young men board a train with their brides, both covered in veils. At the end of the journey, the brides mysteriously disappear. One groom, Deepak, accidentally brings the other’s bride, Pushpa, home, leaving his real wife, Phool, behind at the station. The veil becomes a pivotal plot element that leads to the confusion.

Aamir Khan’s Involvement

Aamir Khan, the producer of the film and known for his perfectionist approach, called Missing Ladies one of the best films under his banner. The movie has been praised for Kiran Rao’s direction, the compelling storyline, and the strong performances by the cast.

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