Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 9: With the countdown underway for the 98th Academy Awards, Indian cinema has inched a step closer to global recognition, as two Indian films have made it to the prestigious eligibility list for the Oscars.
Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1’ and Anupam Kher’s ‘Tanvi The Great’ have been included among the 201 feature films eligible for consideration in the Best Picture category at the 98th Academy Awards.
According to a report by Variety, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has released the list of films that directly qualify for the Best Picture race, having fulfilled all additional eligibility criteria beyond general entry norms. These include mandatory theatrical runs and submission of the confidential Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form.
The Academy stipulated that eligible films must meet at least two of the four inclusion standards and complete a qualifying theatrical engagement in at least 10 of the top 50 US markets within 45 days of their initial release in 2025. Both Indian films successfully met these requirements, positioning themselves as potential contenders on the global stage.
Earlier, in November 2025, the Academy had announced films eligible for Best Documentary, Animated Feature and International Feature Film categories, taking the total number of eligible films across all categories to 317.
The official nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on January 22.
Produced by Hombale Films, ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ delves into the origins of Daiva worship in Tulunadu, tracing its roots to the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty. Rishab Shetty essays the role of Berme, the guardian of the Kantara forest and its indigenous communities.
Meanwhile, ‘Tanvi The Great’, directed by actor Anupam Kher, stars Shubhangi in the lead role of Tanvi Raina. The film explores themes of autism and patriotism, centring on a young girl inspired by her late father’s service in the Indian Army and her dream of following in his footsteps. The film also features Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani and Karan Tacker in pivotal roles.