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Indian cinema is witnessing one of its most exciting moments on the international awards circuit as several films from the country officially enter the race for the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026. From large-scale mythological epics and socially rooted dramas to intimate, character-driven narratives, India’s diverse storytelling has found significant representation across major Oscar categories this year.
While only one film can be selected as India’s official submission for Best International Feature Film, several other Indian productions have independently qualified for the Academy’s General Entry and Best Picture eligibility lists, placing them alongside major Hollywood and global releases. Though eligibility does not guarantee nominations, the sheer volume and variety of Indian films in contention underline the growing global recognition of Indian cinema.
Homebound: India’s Official Entry for Best International Feature Film
Leading India’s official Oscar campaign is Homebound, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan. The film has already achieved a major breakthrough by making it to the top 15 shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category—an important step toward final nominations.
Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, Homebound tells the emotionally grounded story of two childhood friends from a small Indian hamlet who dream of becoming police officers. For them, the job represents dignity and social respect long denied to them. However, as they navigate systemic challenges and professional pressures, their bond begins to fray, revealing deeper emotional and moral conflicts.
The film also features Reem Shaikh, Harshika Parmar, and Shalini Vatsa in supporting roles. Homebound is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Marijke Desouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier serving as co-producers.
With its strong narrative focus, realistic performances, and socially resonant themes, Homebound stands as India’s strongest official hope at the Oscars this year.
Five Indian Films Enter the Oscars 2026 Best Picture Eligibility List
In addition to the official submission, five Indian films have qualified for the Academy’s Best Picture eligibility list, which includes a total of 201 films worldwide this year. These films have met the Academy’s expanded theatrical release and inclusion requirements, making them eligible for consideration across multiple general categories.
The Indian films on this prestigious list are:
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Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1
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Mahavatar Narasimha
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Tourist Family
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Tanvi The Great
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Sister Midnight
Their inclusion places Indian cinema alongside global heavyweights such as Avatar: Fire and Ash, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Jurassic World Rebirth, F1, Americana, The Naked Gun, and Final Destination: Bloodlines—a testament to the scale of competition.
Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 — A Box Office Giant with Global Ambitions
Directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, Kantara: Chapter 1 has emerged as one of the biggest Indian cinematic successes of 2025. Produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the Hombale Films banner, the prequel has officially been submitted to the Academy’s General Entry List, making it eligible for categories such as Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design, subject to Academy evaluation.
Featuring Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah in pivotal roles, the film has grossed over Rs 850 crore globally, cementing its place among the highest-grossing Indian films of the year. Beyond its commercial success, Kantara: Chapter 1 has been widely praised for its rooted storytelling, cultural authenticity, powerful performances, and technical excellence—all factors that strengthen its Oscar prospects.
Mahavatar Narasimha: Indian Animation Reaches New Heights
Another major contender from Hombale Films is Mahavatar Narasimha, directed by Ashwin Kumar. The mythological animated epic has not only qualified for the Best Picture eligibility list but is also considered a strong contender for Best Animated Feature.
The film has made history by becoming the highest-grossing animated film in Indian cinema, earning Rs 325 crore worldwide. Its ambitious visual scale, innovative animation, and culturally resonant narrative have earned widespread acclaim, marking a significant milestone for Indian animation on the global stage.
Like Kantara, Mahavatar Narasimha has been submitted to the Academy’s General Entry List, making it eligible for major technical and creative categories.
Tanvi The Great: Anupam Kher’s Emotional Return to Direction
Tanvi The Great, directed by Anupam Kher, has also entered the Best Picture race. The film marks Kher’s return to direction 23 years after his debut, Om Jai Jagadish. Instead of following the official submission route, the makers opted for an independent Oscar campaign.
The film tells the story of Tanvi Raina, a 21-year-old woman with autism who sets out to fulfill her late father’s dream of saluting the Indian flag at the Siachen Glacier. Starring debutante Shubhangi Dutt in the titular role, the film explores themes of resilience, patriotism, and self-belief.
Tanvi The Great has received critical acclaim across international festivals and screenings, further solidifying its place among India’s serious Oscar contenders.
Tourist Family: A Sleeper Hit from Tamil Cinema
Directed by Abishan Jeevinth, Tourist Family represents Tamil cinema on the Academy’s eligibility list. The film emerged as a sleeper hit and was widely praised by the Tamil film industry for its storytelling and performances.
Though modest in scale compared to big-budget epics, Tourist Family earned its place through strong word-of-mouth and emotional resonance, proving that intimate narratives can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with spectacle-driven cinema on global platforms.
Sister Midnight: A Global Co-Production with Critical Acclaim
Sister Midnight, a Hindi-language UK–India co-production, stars Radhika Apte and has also secured a spot on the Academy’s eligibility list. Known for her powerful and nuanced performances, Apte is reportedly at her best in this critically acclaimed film.
The movie’s inclusion highlights the growing presence of Indian-led international collaborations in major global awards conversations.
Dashavatar: Marathi Cinema Joins the Oscar Conversation
Adding to the diversity of Indian cinema in contention is Dashavatar, a Marathi film that has secured a place on the Academy’s official contention list. Its inclusion underscores the increasing recognition of regional Indian cinema beyond mainstream industries.
What Happens Next: Key Dates to Watch
While eligibility is an important first step, the road ahead remains highly competitive. The final list of Oscar nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on January 22, 2026.
The grand ceremony itself is scheduled for March 15, 2026, where the world will see how many of these Indian films advance to the final stages.
A Landmark Year for Indian Cinema
From a socially grounded drama like Homebound to a mythological animated epic like Mahavatar Narasimha, the Oscars 2026 race reflects the remarkable breadth of Indian storytelling today. While nominations are yet to be confirmed, the strong presence of Indian films on the Academy’s eligibility lists is a celebration in itself.
As Indian cinema continues to evolve, this year’s Oscar race stands as a powerful reminder that stories rooted in culture, emotion, and authenticity can resonate far beyond borders—and compete on the world’s biggest cinematic stage.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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