Kiran Rao’s acclaimed film Laapataa Ladies has officially been selected as India’s entry for the 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. This engaging and thought-provoking comedy, recognized for its unique storytelling and strong performances, is now poised to make a global impact under the title Lost Ladies.

Originally titled Laapataa Ladies (meaning "Lost Ladies" in Hindi), the film has undergone a title change for its Oscar campaign. The updated title, Lost Ladies, is now featured on the official poster, which was unveiled this Tuesday.

Star actor Nitanshi Goel unveiled the newly updated poster on social media, captioning it: "Presenting LostLadies: a sneak peek into the bold and heartfelt journey of Phool and Jaya. Featuring Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Chhaya Kadam, with a special cameo by Ravi Kishan!"

In September, Laapataa Ladies was selected as India's official Oscar contender, standing out among 29 Indian films vying for the honor. The competition this year was particularly fierce, with prominent titles like Animal, Kalki 2898 AD,  Joram, Sam Bahadur, and the National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam all in the running.

Jahnu Barua, chairman of the Film Federation of India, praised Laapataa Ladies for its unique appeal, noting that it stood apart from the other entries, which included films in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam.

Director Kiran Rao shared her pride and excitement about the honor, stating, "I am truly honored and thrilled that Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry for the Academy Awards." "This recognition reflects the collective effort of our entire team, whose dedication made this story a reality." "Cinema has the unique power to connect hearts, cross boundaries, and inspire meaningful conversations. "I hope this film resonates with audiences around the world, just as it has with viewers here in India."

Laapataa Ladies, Rao’s directorial debut under Aamir Khan's production banner, had a successful theatrical release in India on March 1. It garnered praise for its blend of humor and emotional depth, as well as the fresh performances from its cast. The film’s universal themes, paired with strong word-of-mouth, helped it earn widespread acclaim.

Now, as Lost Ladies aims for the Oscars, the team hopes the film’s poignant, heart-wrenching story will strike a chord with global audiences, shining a light on the rich, thought-provoking narratives of Indian cinema.