India's-Oscar

Laapataa Ladies Out, Anuja In: Guneet Monga’s Live-Action Short Film Eyes Oscars 2025 Glory

 

Indian cinema's journey to the 2025 Oscars takes an unexpected turn with Laapataa Ladies, the country's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category, not making it to the next round.

 

Laapataa Ladies Exit Opens the Door for Anuja

 

But there is still hope, as Guneet Monga's film Anuja has now been shortlisted for Best Live-Action Short Film. The film deals with the hard-hitting issue of child labor in the garment industry and has already created quite a lot of buzz for the intriguing subject. It stars actor Nagesh Bhonsle in a key role, bringing to the fore a social issue that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.

 

Guneet Monga's Third Oscar Nomination

 

Guneet Monga, a two-time Academy Award winner, presents Anuja as her newest project. This is her third time to be nominated for the Oscars, which she also won for the films Elephant Whisperers and Period. End of Sentence. These two films make India proud and bring in the Oscars, giving Indian cinema greater global credibility.

While Laapataa Ladies did not make it to the final shortlist, Anuja continues to pave the way for India's Oscar aspirations. The film has made it to the top 30 contenders in the highly competitive Best Live-Action Short Film category alongside other noteworthy films like Clodagh, The Compatriot, and Edge of Space.

 

The Competition and India's Continued Hope

 

Earlier this week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released its list of shortlisted films for ten categories, including Best Live-Action and Best Animated Short Film. Anuja stands tall among them, carrying forward the legacy of Monga's remarkable work in global cinema.

 

Another Film to Watch: Santosh

 

Along with Anuja comes Santosh, a British Indian film by Sandhya Suri, another contender for the Oscars. Santosh was initially screened this year at the globally renowned Cannes Film Festival, a co-production between British and Indian cinema. Though both belong to the genre of a combination of Indian and international cinema, Anuja is now India's big hope.

 

India's Future at the Oscars Looks Well Set with Anuja

 

With Anuja, Guneet Monga shines again in the spotlight for Indian cinema at the Oscars. Though the journey is not near completion, the film already stirs excitement and eagerness as the world awaits the rise of India's creative force once again.