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Writer's picturePamela Perry

Kiran Rao: Trailblazing Female Indian Filmmaker - Director of 'Laapataa Ladies.'

India’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards.


A storyteller committed to using entertainment to spark change.


“Lost Ladies” premiered at TIFF in 2023, and had its theatrical release on 1st March, before streaming on Netflix. You can watch the trailer HERE and stream the film on Netflix. The film is now on general release in Japan to rave audience and critic applaud!


Set in rural India, “Lost Ladies” is a comedy of errors, following the story of two women whose lives are turned upside down after a mix-up on a train right after their weddings, which results in groom Deepak taking the wrong bride Jaya home, instead of his bride Phool…! What ensues is a series of misadventures where the two brides encounter oddball characters with unexpected consequences. The journey home is one of immense discovery: about themselves, womanhood and life itself.


Principle cast includes Nitanshi Goel (bride Phool), Pratibha Ranta (bride Jaya), Sparsh Shrivastava (groom Deepak), Ravi Kishan (local police inspector, Shyam Manohar), and Chhaya Kadam (railway station tea-seller and mentor to Jaya, Manju Mai).


Why This Film Matters


“Lost Ladies” is feminist storytelling at its best! It brings the lived experiences of rural, subaltern women to the forefront, challenging the hypermasculine narratives that often dominate Indian cinema. Kiran Rao’s film is a refreshing change in contemporary Indian cinema and is poised to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and storytellers who can take on the patriarchy, one film at a time.


“Lost Ladies” uses wit and humour to offer a satirical yet poignant take on patriarchal norms and outdated marriage traditions. The film highlights the struggles women face in such settings while emphasizing the importance of freedom, individuality, and choice. While the identities of the lead female protagonists are initially hidden behind veils, making it difficult for them to exercise their rights and choices, by the end of the film, they remain in their veils — but on their own terms. 😊


The film explores themes of identity, empowerment, friendship, sisterhood, resilience, and the complexities of modern relationships. It also offers a unique exploration of two women’s journey toward self-awareness, framed against the backdrop of tradition and societal constraints.


About Kiran Rao


Kiran Rao is a filmmaker, producer, and writer based in Mumbai, India. After working as an assistant director on acclaimed films such as the Academy Award nominated film Lagaan and the Golden Globe nominated film Monsoon Wedding, she made her directorial debut with Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries) in 2010, which premiered at TIFF.


“Lost Ladies” marks her second outing as a director. In addition to her work in film, Kiran co-founded the Paani Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to drought prevention and sustainable agriculture in India.


Kiran’s deep understanding of character, her nuanced narrative style, and her honesty toward storytelling have made her a distinctive voice in Indian cinema. With “Lost Ladies”, she continues to push boundaries, using the power of film to address important social issues.


Key Themes in “Lost Ladies”:


· Hope against odds: Phool’s trust in her husband despite him losing Phool reflects the complexity of love and faith, while Jaya’s daring escape from an oppressive marriage highlights the courage to seize opportunities and rewrite one’s destiny.


· Education as liberation: The film underscores the importance of education for women, showing how it can empower them to break free from societal expectations.


· Financial independence: Phool’s joy at earning her own income marks a transformative shift toward women’s self-reliance and agency.


· Sisterhood and solidarity: The film emphasizes how women can lift each other up, defying traditional roles and stereotypes.


· Learning from adversity: Phool’s openness to learning from Manju Mai shows the power of mentorship in personal growth.


· The power of humanity: Jaya’s selflessness and the warmth of Deepak’s family offer a message of compassion and kindness in a patriarchal world.

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