2026 Academy Awards: Tamil survival thriller 'Gevi' joins India’s elite Oscar contenders

Marking a noteworthy milestone, the Tamil survival drama Gevi has been cleared for consideration at the 2026 Academy Awards. The film is now officially part of the 98th Oscars eligibility list, moving an inch towards a potential nomination and further contributing to India’s growing influence in international cinema.

This recognition for small-budget films is widely celebrated by the industry peers, as they hail that a movie’s impact isn't determined by its budget but by its ability to connect on a level that earns major international acclaim.

Revolving around a couple living in a rural village near Kodaikanal, Gevi is set against the rugged landscapes of the Western Ghats and tells the story of survival and the fight for justice.

Directed by Tamil Dhayalan, Gevi is a powerful survival drama inspired by true events and deeply rooted in the cultural, social, and environmental realities of rural India. The movie presents a universally resonant narrative driven by emotional depth and cinematic scale. Produced by Artuptriangles Film Kampany, Gevi stars Aadhavan and Sheela in the lead roles. It also stars Jacqueline Lydia, Jeeva Subramanian, B Ganesh, Vivek Mohan and Umar Farook in crucial roles.

The movie has been successfully uploaded to the Academy Screening Room (ASR), the secure digital platform through which Academy members view eligible films while voting for the final nominations.

As the producer of Gevi, I believe the film possesses the scale, craft, and emotional resonance that align strongly with the Academy’s Best Picture sensibilities. The film’s reception to date has reinforced our confidence that Gevi can compete meaningfully at the highest level, and we are now seeking to engage in a focused, well-structured awards campaign

Says, Producer Jagan Jayasurya

As an official contender for the 2026 Academy Awards, Gevi joins other notable Indian entries, including the shortlisted Homebound. Academy members will cast their votes for final nominations from January 12 to January 16, with the official list of nominees set to be announced on January 22, 2026.