Indian cinema has achieved a significant global milestone as multiple homegrown films have entered the eligibility list for the Best Picture category at the 98th Academy Awards. Among the standout titles are Rishab Shetty’s much-anticipated epic Kantara Chapter 1 and Anupam Kher’s directorial venture Tanvi The Great, marking a proud moment for the Indian film industry on the international stage.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially confirmed that 317 feature films are eligible for consideration at the Oscars 2026, with 201 films qualifying for the Best Picture race. From this impressive global lineup, four Indian films have earned a place, highlighting the growing recognition of Indian storytelling worldwide. Alongside Kantara Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great, the list also features Tourist Family, directed by debut filmmaker Abishan Jeevinth, and the ambitious animated project Mahavatar Narasimha. Additionally, Sister Midnight, starring Radhika Apte, has also secured eligibility, further strengthening India’s presence this year.
Kantara Chapter 1, directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, continues the mythological universe that captured audiences globally with its first installment. Known for blending folklore with cinematic grandeur, the film’s inclusion signals international interest in culturally rooted narratives. On the other hand, Tanvi The Great, helmed by veteran actor Anupam Kher, has resonated with audiences for its emotional depth and strong theatrical run, completing over 100 days in cinemas.
Reacting to the announcement, Anupam Kher described the achievement as a “huge triumph,” emphasizing that being shortlisted among the world’s top films is itself a remarkable honor. He shared that thousands of films from across the globe compete each year for recognition, and making it to the Academy’s eligibility list validates the hard work sincerity and belief of the entire team. While nominations and awards remain the next goal, Kher highlighted that this recognition already places the film among the finest cinematic efforts of the year.
The international eligibility list also includes major Hollywood tentpoles such as Avatar Fire and Ash, Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning, Superman, Wicked For Good, and The Conjuring Last Rites, underscoring the competitive nature of the race. To qualify, films must have been commercially released in at least one major US metropolitan area during 2025 and completed a minimum seven-day theatrical run, with a runtime exceeding 40 minutes.
With Indian films increasingly gaining space in global award conversations, this moment reflects a broader shift toward diverse narratives and cross-cultural appreciation. Whether or not these titles secure final nominations, their inclusion alone marks a defining chapter for Indian cinema on the world’s biggest awards platform.