Oscars 2026: Indian cinema has taken another step closer to the global spotlight as several homegrown films have entered the Oscar race. Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1, Anupam Kher’s Tanvi The Great and Hombale Films’ Mahavatar Narsimha have made it to the eligibility list for the 98th Academy Awards. This places them among the 201 feature films that can be considered for the prestigious Oscars.
While India’s official entry to the Oscars 2026 is Homebound, these films chose a different route. The makers of Kantara Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great opted for independent submissions. This approach allows films to compete on their own merit without being the country’s official pick. It shows growing confidence in Indian storytelling.
According to Variety, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has revealed the list of 201 films eligible for the Best Picture category. These films have met all the required criteria set by the Academy. This includes strict theatrical release norms and inclusion standards.
To qualify, each film needed a proper theatrical run in at least 10 of the top 50 US markets. This had to happen within 45 days of its first release in 2025. Filmmakers also had to submit a confidential Representation and Inclusion Standards form. On top of that, films were required to meet at least two of the four Academy inclusion standards.
After clearing all these steps, Mahavatar Narsimha, Kantara Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great are now official contenders in the Oscar conversation.
Kantara Chapter 1 And Mahavatar Narsimha Enter Oscars 2026 Race
Kantara Chapter 1 continues the legacy of the original film, which became a cultural phenomenon. Directed and written by Rishab Shetty, the film builds on rooted folklore and powerful storytelling. Shetty had earlier won a National Award for his performance in the first Kantara. The prequel has also enjoyed strong critical and commercial success in 2025.
Mahavatar Narsimha (produced by Hombale Films) is another major contender. Directed, written and edited by Ashwin Kumar, the film is an epic devotional action drama. It is also part of a larger cinematic universe planned by the makers. The film stood out for its scale, visuals and mythological depth, which helped it gain attention beyond Indian borders.
Anupam Kher starrer Tanvi The Great also joined the eligibility list through an independent submission. The film’s inclusion highlights the variety of Indian stories now reaching global platforms.
What’s Next In Their Oscar Journey?
It is important to understand what this list means. The Oscar contention list marks the first stage of the Academy Awards process. At this point, films are only declared eligible. They are not yet nominated. Filmmakers who meet the criteria can submit their work across categories by paying fees and completing formal requirements. Academy members then review these films for nominations.
Earlier this year, Marathi cinema also made headlines when Subodh Khanolkar’s Dashavatar entered the Oscar contention list. This shows a wider representation of Indian regional cinema on the global stage.
In November 2025, the Academy had already released eligibility lists for Best Documentary, Animated Feature and International Feature Film. That list included 317 films across categories.
The most awaited moment now is the nominations announcement. The Academy will release the final nominations list on January 22. Only then will it be clear if Kantara Chapter 1 or Mahavatar Narsimha move closer to Oscar glory.
