The Tamil survival drama Gevi, directed by Tamil Dhayalan, has officially entered the race for the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026). This makes the film eligible for consideration in the nomination process. Gevi joins other Indian films, including Homebound, as contenders for the prestigious award. The final nominations are expected to be announced on January 22, 2026, leading up to the Oscars ceremony in March.
Gevi is produced by Artuptriangles Film Kampany and is inspired by true events. The film is set against the backdrop of the Western Ghats and tells a compelling story of survival and the fight for justice. The narrative revolves around a couple residing in a rural village near Kodaikanal, exploring themes of resilience, justice, and human endurance against the forces of nature.
The film features actors Aadhavan and Sheela in the lead roles, supported by an ensemble cast including Jacqueline Lydia, Jeeva Subramanian, B. Ganesh, Vivek Mohan, and Umar Farook.
According to producer Jagan Jayasurya, Gevi possesses the scale, craft, and emotional resonance that align with the Academy's Best Picture sensibilities. He believes that the film's reception has reinforced their confidence in its ability to compete at the highest level, and they are now focused on a well-structured awards campaign.
Gevi has been successfully uploaded to the Academy Screening Room (ASR), a secure digital platform where Academy members can view eligible films and cast their votes for the final nominations between January 12 and 16, 2026.
The inclusion of Gevi in the Oscars race highlights the growing global reach of Indian cinema and the diversity of storytelling within the Tamil film industry. Along with Gevi, Tourist Family, another Tamil film directed by Abishan Jeevinth, has also entered the Oscars race. Tourist Family features Sasikumar, Simran, MS Bhaskar, and Yogi Babu. Additionally, other Indian films such as Kantara: Chapter 1, Mahavatar Narsimha and Tanvi The Great are also competing for a spot in the Best Picture category.
