Oscars 2026: Kantara Chapter 1, Mahavatar Narsimha, Tanvi Join Best Picture Race

Hombale Film’s Kantara: Chapter 1 and Mahavatar Narsimhahave have been officially submitted to the Oscar General Entry List. Apart from these two, Anupam Kher-starrer Tanvi: The Great has also joined the best picture race for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. While India’s official entry to the Oscars this year is Homebound, the makers of Kantara, Mahavatar Narsimha and Tanvi decided to go for an independent approach.

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 and Ashwin Kumar’s directorial Mahavatar Narasimha were massive box-office successes and received widespread acclaim for their storytelling. Their inclusion in the General Entry List makes them eligible for consideration and shortlisting across major Oscar general categories, including Best Actor,

Best Actress, Best Producer, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay/Writing, Best Production Design, and Best Cinematography, subject to Academy evaluation.

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On the other hand, Tanvi The Great was directed by Anupam Kher and marked his return to direction 23 years after his directorial debut, Om Jai Jagadish. The film follows Tanvi Raina, a 21-year-old woman with autism who aims to fulfill her late father’s dream of saluting the flag at the Siachen Glacier. Starring debutante Shubhangi Dutt in the titular role, the Hindi film garnered critical acclaim worldwide.

The final nominations list for the upcoming Academy Awards will be released on January 22, 2026.

Homebound Also At Oscars 2026

Meanwhile, Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, is India’s official entry to the Oscars this year. The film tells the story of two childhood friends from a small hamlet in India who aspire to become police officers, hoping the job will bring them the respect they’ve never received. However, as they pursue their dream, their friendship begins to strain under obstacles and professional pressures. The film also features Reem Shaikh, Harshika Parmar and Shalini Vatsa in supporting roles, alongside Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor.

Homebound is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, and co-produced by Marijke Desouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier. It is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan.