As Homebound continues to eye the Oscars 2026, two more Indian films are now in the race. Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi: The Great have joined the eligible films for Best Picture race at the Academy Awards
Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi: The Great
As the countdown toward the 98th Academy Awards continues, Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound is eyeing a spot in the nominations after being shortlisted and making it to the voting round, competing with 15 films. Now, Indian cinema appears to have made another strike, with two more films eyeing a spot, inching closer to bringing home the Oscar this year.
Kantara: Chapter 1, Tanvi: The Great join eligible films at Oscars 2026
Two Indian films, namely Rishab Shetty's Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 and Anupam Kher's Tanvi The Great, have now joined the list of 201 feature films that are eligible for consideration at the 98th Oscars.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced the 201 eligible films that directly qualify for the prestigious Best Picture category, according to Variety. As per the Academy rules, the eligible films for Best Picture have successfully met all the additional eligibility requirements beyond those for general entry.
This includes theatrical runs and the submission of a confidential Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form. According to Variety, the films were also required to meet at least two of the four Academy 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.
Having met all theneccessary requirements, both Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great have placed themselves among the potential contenders on the global platform.
Earlier in November 2025, the Academy had revealed the films eligible for Best Documentary, Animated Feature, and International Feature Film, with about 317 films across all categories. The Academy Award official nominations will be announced on January 22, 2026.
About Kantara: Chapter 1
Produced by Hombale Films, Kantara: Chapter 1 revolves around the origins of Daiva worship in Tulunadu, tracing its roots back to the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty. Rishab Shetty, who has written, directed and starred in the film, plays Berme, the protector of the Kantara forest and its tribal communities.
The film also stars Gulshan Devaiah, Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram and more.
About Tanvi: The Great
Tanvi The Great, which is directed by actor Anupam Kher, features Shubhangi in the lead role of Tanvi Raina. The film explores themes of autism and the Indian Army. Shubhangi plays a young girl inspired by her late father's army service, as she dreams of following in his footsteps. The film also stars Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, and Karan Tacker in key roles.
(With inputs from ANI)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
