‘Tanvi The Great’ and ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ enter the 98th Academy Awards Race!

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has unveiled the official list of 201 feature films eligible for the prestigious Best Picture category at the upcoming Academy Awards. These titles have successfully met all additional eligibility benchmarks beyond the standard submission requirements, as confirmed by the Academy.

As the 98th Academy Awards inch closer, Indian cinema appears to be standing at the threshold of yet another historic moment on the global stage. Following Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound earning a coveted spot among the Top 15 shortlisted films in the International Feature Film category, the momentum continues to build. Adding to this prestigious list Anupam Kher’s Tanvi The Great & Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 andhave adopted a strategic path toward international acclaim, securing their place among the 201 films eligible for consideration at the 98th Oscars.

In November 2025, AMPAS had earlier announced 317 eligible films across the Best Documentary, Animated Feature, and International Feature Film categories. With anticipation running high, the official Oscar nominations are set to be revealed on January 22, a date keenly awaited by the global film fraternity.

Directed by actor-filmmaker Anupam Kher, Tanvi The Great features Shubhangi in the titular role of Tanvi Raina, a young girl deeply inspired by her late father’s service in the Indian Army. The film sensitively weaves together themes of autism, resilience, and patriotism, as Tanvi dreams of honouring and carrying forward her father’s legacy.

Meanwhile, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, produced by Hombale Films, journeys deep into the ancient roots of Daiva worship in Tulunadu, tracing its origins back to the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty. Rishab Shetty essays the role of Berme, the fierce guardian of the Kantara forest and its indigenous people, in a narrative that blends mythology, history, and cultural identity on an epic canvas.With multiple Indian films making significant inroads into the Oscar race, this year signals a defining chapter for Indian cinema’s global ascent.

Produced by Anupam Kher Studios in association with NFDC, and distributed globally by Excel Entertainment led by Ritesh Sidhwani & Farhan Akhtar and AA Films led by Anil Thadani.

By Keerti Kadam