‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ And ‘Tanvi The Great’ Join India’s Oscar 2026 Race In Best Picture Category
‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ And ‘Tanvi The Great’ Join India’s Oscar 2026 Race In Best Picture Category
Four Indian films, including Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great, have made it to the Academy’s eligibility list, marking a strong global moment for Indian cinema ahead of the 98th Academy Awards.
Indian cinema has secured a powerful presence on the global awards stage with four films making it to the official eligibility list for the Best Picture category at the Oscars 2026. Among them are the Kannada epic Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and the Hindi film Tanvi The Great, both now qualified to compete in one of the most prestigious and competitive categories of the Academy Awards.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released its “Reminder List of Productions Eligible for the 98th Academy Awards”, which features 201 films from around the world that meet all the required criteria. Apart from Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great, the other two Indian titles on the list are the multilingual animated film Mahavatar Narsimha and the Tamil film Tourist Family. Together, these four entries reflect the growing diversity and ambition of Indian storytelling on an international platform.
Unlike the Best International Feature Film category, where each country is allowed to send only one official entry, the Best Picture category has no such restriction. Multiple films from the same country can compete if they fulfil the Academy’s eligibility conditions. This is how Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great have entered the Oscar race alongside India’s official International Feature submission, Homebound, which is competing in a separate category.
To qualify, the films had to complete a mandatory theatrical run and meet strict technical and screening requirements. These included releasing in theatres during 2025, screening in at least 10 of the top 50 US markets within 45 days of their release, and submitting the Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry form. Additionally, each film had to satisfy at least two of the Academy’s four inclusion standards related to diversity and representation. Meeting these conditions placed the films among the select list of productions globally eligible for Oscar consideration.
Kantara: Chapter 1, written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, explores the ancient roots of Daiva worship in the Tulunadu region. Set in the era of the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty, the film traces the spiritual and cultural traditions that shaped the land and its people. Shetty plays Berme, the guardian of the Kantara forest and protector of tribal communities. The film’s mythological depth, rooted cultural identity, and grand visual storytelling have made it one of the most anticipated Indian productions on the global circuit. Its theatrical release on October 2, 2025, marked a major cinematic moment for regional cinema.
Tanvi The Great, directed by Anupam Kher, brings a deeply emotional and socially sensitive story to the Oscar conversation. The film stars Shubhangi in the lead role of Tanvi Raina, a young girl on the autism spectrum who draws strength from her late father’s service in the Indian Army. The story blends themes of resilience, patriotism, and emotional courage, presenting a narrative that is both intimate and inspiring. The supporting cast includes Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, and Karan Tacker, adding depth and experience to the film’s emotional landscape.
With Mahavatar Narsimha representing India’s animated storytelling strength and Tourist Family adding a Tamil-language perspective, the country’s presence at the Oscars 2026 reflects a wide creative spectrum. Mythology, social realism, animation, and family-centric narratives are all part of India’s cinematic representation this year.
The eligibility list is a crucial step before final nominations. While making it to this stage does not guarantee a nomination, it opens the door for these films to be considered by Academy members. The official nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on January 22, and anticipation is already building around whether any of these Indian titles will make it to the final shortlist.
India’s Oscar journey this year stands out because of its multi-track approach. While Homebound carries the country’s official hopes in the International Feature Film category, films like Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great are pushing boundaries in the Best Picture race, competing alongside major global productions without nationality-based limitations.
This moment highlights a shift in how Indian cinema is positioning itself internationally. It is no longer confined to a single official entry or one style of storytelling. Instead, it is presenting multiple voices, languages, and cinematic traditions on a global stage, strengthening its presence in one of the world’s most influential film platforms.
