December 19, 2024: Director Kiran Rao’s film Laapataa Ladies, which was chosen as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, has unfortunately dropped out of the Oscars race. Despite generating a lot of anticipation, the film did not make it to the official shortlist for the prestigious awards. However, actor Sonu Sood, who has been vocal about his views on success, reminded everyone that the real reward for any film lies in the love and appreciation of the audience.
At a press conference in New Delhi, Sood shared his perspective, stating, “The real Oscar is the audience who shower their love on the film. What matters is to make a place in the hearts of people, awards just remain confined to the shelves.” His words reflect a deeper understanding of the impact of a film’s connection with its viewers, emphasizing that public admiration holds far more value than accolades alone.
Laapataa Ladies was selected as India’s entry in September by the Film Federation of India (FFI), led by Jahnu Barua, from a list of 29 films, which included Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light and the National Award-winning Aattam. The film was much anticipated, but now, as it exits the Oscars race, Sood’s words remind us that the journey of a film and its true impact often goes beyond international recognition.
In a different arena, Sonu Sood is preparing for his directorial debut with Fateh, an action-packed thriller that is set to release on January 10, 2025. Sood, who has also collaborated with popular singer Yo Yo Honey Singh for the track Hitman, spoke about their shared journey in the music industry. Honey Singh recalled a significant moment from his early days when Sonu Sood, then a rising star, recognized his potential and referred him to Bollywood’s top music directors and filmmakers. Reflecting on this, Singh called Sonu a “visionary,” praising his unwavering support for others. He shared how Sonu’s belief in him played a crucial role in his breakthrough into Bollywood.
The excitement for Fateh has been building, especially after the release of its teaser. In the gripping clip, Sood’s character is heard discussing a chilling event, with a voiceover that mentions, “Never underestimate a nobody.” The teaser ends with an intense statement, hinting at a larger story of action and intrigue, with Sood adding, “Action speaks louder than words.” He shared the teaser on his official social media handle, writing, “AA RAHA HOON…Action speaks louder than words. #Fateh! Brace yourselves for the biggest action-packed thriller!”
Produced by Sonali Sood under Shakti Sagar Productions and Umesh KR Bansal for Zee Studios, Fateh is gearing up for its big release in 2025, promising a thrilling cinematic experience for fans of action films.
