New Delhi: Anuja, a coming-of-age short film set in New Delhi, was in the running for Best Live Action Short at the 2025 Academy Awards, but ultimately lost to the Dutch-language film I’m Not a Robot.
Written and directed by Victoria Warmerdam, I’m Not a Robot is a science fiction film with a unique premise. Its synopsis states, “After failing an online CAPTCHA test, Max faces an existential crisis when he believes he might actually be a robot.”
Anuja, directed by Adam J Graves and Suchitra Mattai, tells the story of a gifted nine-year-old girl, Anuja, who faces a critical choice between pursuing an education or working in a factory alongside her sister—a decision that will shape both their futures. The film stars Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag.
Currently streaming on Netflix, Anuja boasts an impressive team behind it, with two-time Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga and actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas as executive producers, and Hollywood star-writer Mindy Kaling as a producer.
The film was made in collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT)—a nonprofit founded by filmmaker Mira Nair’s family to support street and working children—alongside Shine Global and Krushan Naik Films.
Other nominees in the Best Live Action Short category included A Lien, The Last Ranger, and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent.
The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, aired live in India on JioHotstar and Star Plus from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.