Oscars 2026: Kantara Chapter 1, Tourist Family, Mahavatar Narsimha - Five Indian Films In Race For Best Picture Award

Indian cinema is shining on global platform! Our films have made a notable presence in the Oscars 2026 race, with five films from the country officially entering the Academy Awards’ Best Picture consideration

list. The Academy recently announced that 201 films are eligible for contention this year, placing Indian titles alongside major global releases in the long and highly competitive race. The list includes critically acclaimed title Sister Midnight as well as mega hits like Kantara: Chapter 1 and Mahavatar Narasimha.

Kantara: Chapter 1 in Oscars race

Earlier, Hombale Films confirmed via social media that it has submitted Kantara: Chapter 1 and Mahavatar Narasimha to the Academy’s General Entry List. This move qualifies both productions to be considered across major Oscar categories, including Best Picture, acting, direction, cinematography, production design, and screenplay, subject to the Academy’s evaluation. Both films are produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the Hombale Films banner.Kantara: Chapter 1, directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, has emerged as one of the biggest Indian cinematic successes of 2025. The film, which also features Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah in key roles, has grossed over Rs 850 crore globally, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year. Beyond its box office triumph, the prequel earned widespread critical acclaim for its rooted storytelling, powerful performances, and technical finesse, further strengthening its Oscar prospects.

Meanwhile, Mahavatar Narasimha has carved history of its own by becoming the highest-grossing animated film in Indian cinema. With a worldwide collection of Rs 325 crore, the mythological epic has been praised for its ambitious scale, visual storytelling, and cultural resonance, making its entry into the Oscar race a significant milestone for Indian animation.

Tourist Family, Tanvi the Great, Sister Midnight make it to the shortlist

Apart from these two titles, three other Indian films have also found a place on the Academy’s eligibility list: Tourist Family, Tanvi the Great, and Sister Midnight. Tourist Family was a sleeper hit, with the entire Tamil film industry praising the film. Tanvi the Great marked Anupam Kher's return to direction and Sister Midnight saw Radhika Apte at her best.

However, it is important to note that being part of the General Entry List does not guarantee an Oscar nomination. The list of 201 films also includes high-profile Hollywood titles such as Avatar: Fire and Ash, Jurassic World Rebirth, F1, Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, The Naked Gun, Americana, Final Destination: Bloodlines.Meanwhile, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, has already achieved a significant feat by making it to the 15-film shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category. The Academy is expected to announce the final list of Oscar nominations later this January, which will determine how many of these Indian films advance further in the prestigious awards race.