Ending speculation over India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, the Film Federation of India (FFI) in Chennai has selected Kiran Rao-directed Laapataa Ladies for submission.

Expressing her gratitude to the Selection Committee and to everyone who believed in the film, Kiran Rao wrote in her social media post: “It is indeed a great privilege to be selected from among such amazing Indian films this year—who are equally worthy contenders for this honor.”

Set in the heartland, Laapataa Ladies tells the coming-of-age story of two newlywed brides who are mistakenly exchanged during a train ride to their in-laws’ homes. Produced by Aamir Khan Productions, the film emerged as the top choice for India’s Oscar entry out of 29 movies under consideration. Khan, in his media statement, said he was “proud of Kiran and her entire team” and hoped that the film would “win the hearts of the members of the Academy.”

The announcement by FFI, which is responsible for making the selection, was lauded by many, while others expressed surprise over Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light, the winner of the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, being overlooked. After its Cannes premiere, All We Imagine As Light has been making waves at major international film festivals, including those in San Sebastián, Toronto, and New York.

Interestingly, the last Indian film to be nominated for an Oscar in the Best International Feature Film category was Aamir Khan’s Lagaan in 2002.