Indian cinema is celebrating a significant achievement as two films, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great, have qualified for the Best Picture eligibility list for the 98th Academy Awards in 2026. This milestone marks a notable moment for Indian filmmakers on the global stage, especially as these films were not the official submissions from India.

Kantara: Chapter 1, directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, serves as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara. The film delves into the origins of Daiva worship in the Tulunadu region, tracing its roots back to the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty. Shetty portrays Berme, the protector of the Kantara forest and its indigenous communities. The movie was released on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami. It was produced by Hombale Films. The film also stars Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah.

Tanvi The Great, directed by Anupam Kher, stars Shubhangi Dutt as Tanvi Raina, a young woman on the autism spectrum who dreams of joining the Indian Army, inspired by her late father. The film also features Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani and Karan Tacker. Tanvi The Great was released on July 18, 2025.

To qualify for Oscar consideration, Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great had to meet specific criteria set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). These requirements included completing a theatrical run with screenings in at least 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets within 45 days of their initial release in 2025. Additionally, filmmakers were required to submit the confidential Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form and meet at least two of the Academy's four inclusion standards.

Anupam Kher has expressed his excitement and pride. He hailed the film's inclusion as a "huge triumph" for the team, noting the film's 100-day theatrical run and its resonance with audiences. Kher stated that being in the list of top 200 films in the world is already a huge triumph for team #TanviTheGreat.

The official Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026. While Homebound is India's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category, the inclusion of Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great on the Best Picture eligibility list represents an independent push by Indian cinema for global recognition.