Oscars 2025: Anuja ending and story explained - Why the little girl struggled to decide?

Oscars 2025: The world was thrilled when Anuja, which is backed by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Mindy Kaling, and Guneet Monga, received a nomination at the recent Oscars 2025. Anuja was the only documentary to be selected, despite the nation's expectation that India would be represented in other categories. The film, which was recently made available on Netflix, explores how two girls are constrained by obligations and are merely trying to survive. If you have watched the movie and want to dive deeper into it, then here¡¯s Anuja story and ending explained.

Anuja story explained

Anuja, a 9-year-old orphan who lives in Delhi with her older sister Palak, earns a living by working in a clothing factory. When Mr. Mishra, a local schoolteacher, visits the factory one day, he notices Anuja's extraordinary aptitude for mathematics and encourages her to take an entrance exam for a full scholarship to a boarding school. But Mr. Verma, their boss, won't let her leave, preferring to keep her on staff. In order to raise the Rs 400 exam cost, Palak, who is determined to provide Anuja a brighter future, sells tote bags made from leftover clothing in secret. The sisters enjoy a rare evening of happiness as they celebrate their accomplishment, but Anuja is hesitant to go to school because it would mean leaving Palak behind.

Anuja is forced to choose between attachment and opportunity when Mr. Verma, who is pleased by her intelligence, offers her a well-paying job and threatens to fire her and Palak if she declines.

Anuja ending explained

With Anuja standing at the end of the alley, unsure of what to do, and watching her sister enter the clothing factory, the short film concluded on a cliffhanger. On one hand, she didn¡¯t want her sister to lose her job; on the other, she knew that education could open doors to a better future. Her fear and confusion were evident as she grappled with this dilemma. In the end, we see Anuja lost in thought, leaving her next move to the audience¡¯s imagination. Did she pursue her education, or did she sacrifice it for her responsibilities? We may not know the answer, but what remains clear is her deep love for her sister. While she longed for a better life through schooling, the weight of her responsibilities kept her rooted in hesitation.

You can stream Anuja on Netflix.

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