Kantara Chapter 1, Mahavatar Narsimha, Tanvi Enter Oscars 2026 Best Picture Race

Indian cinema has marked another significant milestone on the global stage as Kantara: Chapter 1, Mahavatar Narsimha, and Tanvi: The Great have officially entered the race for the Best Picture category at the 98th Academy Awards. The three films feature in the Academy’s latest list of 201 feature films deemed eligible for top honours at the Oscars 2026.

The eligibility list was released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, confirming that these Indian titles have successfully met the stringent qualification criteria required for direct consideration in the Best Picture category. While India’s official Oscar submission this year remains Homebound, these films opted for an independent route, underscoring a growing confidence among Indian filmmakers in seeking international recognition beyond government-backed entries.

To qualify for Best Picture eligibility, films must satisfy a comprehensive set of conditions laid down by the Academy. These include completing a qualifying theatrical run in at least 10 of the top 50 US markets within 45 days of release, adhering to inclusion and representation standards, and submitting mandatory documentation related to diversity benchmarks. Each of the three Indian films fulfilled these requirements, placing them on the Academy’s radar ahead of the final nomination process.

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 continues the legacy of the Kantara franchise, which gained global attention for its rooted storytelling and cultural depth. The prequel expands the universe with a larger mythological and historical canvas, further strengthening its appeal among international audiences. The film’s inclusion reflects how culturally rooted narratives are increasingly resonating beyond domestic markets.

Mahavatar Narsimha, produced by Hombale Films, stands out as an epic devotional action film and the foundation of a planned cinematic universe. Directed by Ashwin Kumar, the film blends mythology, animation, and large-scale storytelling, positioning itself as one of the most ambitious Indian projects of the year.

Meanwhile, Tanvi: The Great marks a creative milestone for Anupam Kher, who took on the roles of writer, director, and producer. The film features an ensemble cast including Arvind Swamy, Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, and Pallavi Joshi. Its presence on the eligibility list signals growing acceptance of performance-driven, character-focused Indian cinema on the world stage.

Earlier, Marathi cinema also made waves when Dashavatar entered the Oscar eligibility pool, further highlighting India’s expanding footprint across languages and genres. The eligibility phase is only the first step in the Academy Awards process, after which voting members will shortlist films across categories.

The final list of Oscar nominations is scheduled to be announced on January 22, with anticipation running high across the Indian film industry. Whether or not these films secure nominations, their inclusion itself represents a strong statement about Indian cinema’s evolving global ambition, creative diversity, and readiness to compete at the highest international level.