Indian cinema has achieved a massive milestone on the global stage as two major homegrown films have entered the official contention list for the Best Picture category at the 98th Academy Awards. Rishab Shetty’s folklore-inspired prequel ‘Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1’ and Anupam Kher’s emotional drama ‘Tanvi The Great’ are among the 201 feature films worldwide that have qualified for consideration in the Oscars’ top category.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) recently released its “Reminder List of Productions,” identifying titles that meet the strict eligibility benchmarks for the 2026 awards. This recognition places Indian storytelling alongside global blockbusters, following a strategic effort by Indian filmmakers to meet the Academy’s rigorous international standards.

Securing a spot on this list is no small feat. To qualify for Best Picture contention, both Kantara and Tanvi The Great had to navigate a complex set of requirements introduced by the Academy to promote diversity:

• RAISE Submission: Producers were required to submit a confidential Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form.
• Inclusion Benchmarks: Eligible titles must fulfill at least two of the four Academy inclusion standards regarding on-screen representation, creative leadership, and industry access.
• US Theatrical Presence: Films were mandated to complete a theatrical run in at least 10 of the top 50 US markets within 45 days of their initial 2025 release.

Rooted Narratives Gaining Global Attention

• ‘Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1’: Produced by Hombale Films, this prequel explores the origins of Daiva worship in Tulunadu. Rishab Shetty stars as Berme, a guardian of tribal communities in the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty.
• ‘Tanvi The Great’: Directed by veteran actor Anupam Kher, the film follows Tanvi Raina, a young girl on the autism spectrum inspired by her father’s military service. It features a stellar cast including Jackie Shroff and Boman Irani.

While inclusion on the list does not guarantee a nomination, it officially enters these films into the voting pool for Academy members. The final Oscar nominations for the 98th edition will be unveiled on January 22, 2026, with the grand ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026.

Key Highlights:

• Historic Qualification: Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great are among 201 films eligible for the Best Picture category at the 98th Oscars.
• Strict Benchmarks: Qualification required meeting the Academy’s RAISE standards and completing theatrical runs in 10 major US markets.
• Global Recognition: This development follows the success of other Indian titles like Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, which is already shortlisted for International Feature Film.
• Key Dates: Final nominations will be announced on January 22, with the Oscars ceremony taking place on March 15, 2026.