Oscars 2026: ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ and ‘Tanvi The Great’ Enter Best Picture Race at 98th Academy Awards

Rishab Shetty and Anupam Kher’s Directorial Ventures Meet Stringent Academy Inclusion Standards; Final Nominations Awaited on January 22

MUMBAI: The Indian film industry is abuzz with anticipation as two major homegrown productions have officially cleared the first major hurdle for the 98th Academy Awards.

Rishab Shetty’s folklore-inspired prequel Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and Anupam Kher’s directorial Tanvi The Great are among the 201 feature films globally eligible for the prestigious Best Picture category.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) recently released the list of qualified contenders. Unlike the “International Feature Film” category (formerly Best Foreign Language Film), being eligible for Best Picture requires meeting rigorous theatrical and representation standards set by the Academy.

The Road to Eligibility: Meeting the “RAISE” Standards

To qualify for the 201-film shortlist, both Indian films had to go beyond mere submission. According to Variety, eligibility for the Best Picture race in 2026 mandated:

• Theatrical Presence: Completing a qualifying run in at least 10 of the top 50 US markets within 45 days of the initial release.
• Representation & Inclusion: Submission of the confidential Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form.
• Specific Criteria: Meeting at least two of the four Academy inclusion standards, which focus on diverse on-screen representation, creative leadership, and industry access.

A Closer Look at the Contenders

Both films offer deeply rooted Indian narratives that have resonated with both domestic and international audiences:

• Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1: Produced by Hombale Films, this prequel explores the 4th-century origins of the Kadamba dynasty and the sacred Daiva worship of Tulunadu. Rishab Shetty returns as Berme, the legendary protector of the tribal communities.
• Tanvi The Great: Directed by Anupam Kher, this film tells the poignant story of Tanvi Raina (played by Shubhangi), a young girl with autism inspired by her father’s legacy in the Indian Army. The film boasts a powerhouse cast including Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, and Karan Tacker.

The Countdown to January 22

While 201 films are eligible, the competition remains fierce. Earlier in November 2025, the Academy confirmed a total of 317 films across various categories, including Documentaries and Animated Features.

The global film fraternity now looks toward January 22, 2026, when the final official nominations for the 98th Oscars will be announced. If either film secures a spot in the final ten for Best Picture, it would mark a historic milestone for Indian cinema on the world’s most celebrated stage.

Academy Statistics at a Glance