India Eyes Oscar Glory as ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ and ‘Tanvi The Great’ Enter 98th Academy Awards Eligibility List
Mumbai: Indian cinema has taken another significant step toward global recognition as two much-anticipated films — Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great — have officially become eligible for consideration at the 98th Academy Awards, raising hopes of India making a strong impact at the Oscars this year.
According to a report by Variety, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has announced a list of 201 feature films that qualify for direct consideration in the prestigious Best Picture category. Both Indian films successfully met the Academy’s stringent eligibility criteria, placing them among global cinematic heavyweights competing for Oscar attention.
Strict Eligibility Standards Met
The Academy clarified that all films included in the Best Picture eligibility list satisfied additional requirements beyond standard submission rules. These include completing qualifying theatrical runs and submitting a confidential Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form.
To qualify, films were required to meet at least two of the four Academy inclusion standards and complete a theatrical engagement in at least 10 of the top 50 US markets within 45 days of their initial release in 2025, as reported by Variety. Both Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great fulfilled these conditions, strengthening their standing in the Oscar race.
Indian Films Among Global Contenders
With their inclusion in the eligibility list, the two films have positioned themselves as serious contenders on the global awards circuit. Earlier in November 2025, AMPAS had also announced 317 films eligible across categories such as Best Documentary Feature, Animated Feature, and International Feature Film, further highlighting the scale of global competition.
The official Oscar nominations for the 98th Academy Awards are scheduled to be announced on January 22, a date eagerly awaited by filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts worldwide.
About ‘Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1’
Produced by Hombale Films, Kantara: Chapter 1 serves as a prequel to the blockbuster Kantara, delving into the origins of Daiva worship in Tulunadu. Set during the era of the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty, the film explores the spiritual and cultural roots of the region.
Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty plays Berme, the guardian of the Kantara forest and its indigenous tribal communities. The film’s deep cultural narrative, combined with its mythological and historical elements, has attracted significant international interest.
About ‘Tanvi The Great’
Directed by veteran actor Anupam Kher, Tanvi The Great is a socially driven film that weaves together themes of autism, resilience, and patriotism. The story follows Tanvi Raina, portrayed by Shubhangi, a young girl inspired by her late father’s service in the Indian Army and determined to follow his legacy.
The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, and Karan Tacker, adding emotional depth and cinematic weight to the narrative.
India’s Growing Oscar Presence
The inclusion of Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great in the Best Picture eligibility list underscores the growing global footprint of Indian cinema. With culturally rooted storytelling and socially relevant themes gaining international attention, India’s Oscar aspirations appear stronger than ever as the countdown to the 98th Academy Awards continues.
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