Mumbai, Jan 9: As the countdown continues towards the 98th Academy Awards, Indian cinema has once again made a significant impact, positioning two films as potential contenders for an Oscar this year. Rishab Shetty's Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 and Anupam Kher's Tanvi The Great have both been listed among the 201 feature films eligible for consideration in the prestigious Best Picture category.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) recently unveiled the list of eligible films, which directly qualify for the Best Picture race. According to Variety, these films met the additional eligibility criteria, which included theatrical runs and the submission of a confidential Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form.

Furthermore, the eligible films had to meet at least two of the Academy’s four inclusion standards and complete a qualifying theatrical engagement in 10 of the top 50 US markets within 45 days of their initial release in 2025.

Both Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great have successfully fulfilled these criteria and are now in the race for global recognition at the Oscars. This move signals a strategic effort by Indian cinema to secure a spot on the world stage.

The Academy had previously announced the list of films eligible for Best Documentary, Animated Feature, and International Feature Film in November 2025, with a total of 317 films across all categories.

The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be revealed on January 22, 2026.

Kantara: Chapter 1, produced by Hombale Films, is a mythological epic that explores the origins of Daiva worship in the Tulunadu region, tracing its roots back to the Kadamba dynasty of the fourth century. Rishab Shetty stars as Berme, a protector of the Kantara forest and its tribal communities.

On the other hand, Tanvi The Great is a poignant exploration of autism and the Indian Army. Directed by Anupam Kher, the film stars Shubhangi in the lead role of Tanvi Raina, a young girl inspired by her late father's army service and aspiring to follow in his footsteps. The film also features Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, and Karan Tacker in key roles.

With both films now officially eligible for Oscar consideration, Indian cinema is edging closer to another historic moment on the global stage.