Oscars 2026: ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ and ‘Tanvi The Great’ qualify for Best Picture race

As the 98th Academy Awards draw near, Indian cinema seems to be on the verge of another breakthrough, getting closer than ever to securing an Oscar this year.

Neeraj Chaywan’s Homebound has made it to the Top 15 shortlist for the International Feature Film category at the Oscars. Another two films, Rishab Shetty's Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 and Anupam Kher's Tanvi The Great, have taken a strategic approach toward global recognition, joining the list of 201 feature films that are eligible for consideration at the 98th Oscars.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has announced the 201 films eligible for the coveted Best Picture category. These films have fulfilled all additional eligibility criteria, beyond the general entry requirements, as confirmed by the Academy.

AMPAS has disclosed the 201 films that are eligible for the coveted Best Picture race, having fulfilled all additional eligibility requirements beyond the basic entry criteria, according to the Academy, reports Variety.

Meanwhile, both the Indian films - Kantara Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great have fulfilled all the necessary criteria, emerging as strong contenders on the global platform.

In November 2025, the Academy announced the eligible films for the Best Documentary, Animated Feature, and International Feature Film categories, totalling 317 films across all three. The official Oscar nominations will be unveiled on January 22.

Tanvi The Great, directed by actor Anupam Kher, stars Shubhangi as Tanvi Raina, a young girl inspired by her late father's service in the Indian Army. The film explores themes surrounding autism and the army, with Shubhangi's character dreaming of emulating her father’s legacy.

Kantara: Chapter 1 delves into the roots of Daiva worship in Tulunadu, tracing its history back to the Kadamba dynasty of the fourth century. Produced by Hombale Films, the movie Rishab Shetty plays Berme, the protector of the Kantara forest and its indigenous communities.