Indian cinema has taken a notable step forward on the global stage as two homegrown films have entered the contention list for the Best Picture category at the 98th Academy Awards. Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1’ and Anupam Kher’s ‘Tanvi The Great’ are among the 201 feature films that have qualified for consideration in the prestigious category.

According to UNI, which quoted a Variety report, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences  has released the list of films that meet the eligibility criteria for direct consideration in the Best Picture race.

To qualify, films were required to meet specific inclusion and representation benchmarks, including a qualifying theatrical run and the submission of a confidential Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form. Additionally, eligible titles had to fulfil at least two of the Academy’s four inclusion standards and complete a theatrical engagement in at least 10 of the top 50 US markets within 45 days of their initial 2025 release.

By meeting these criteria, ‘Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1’ and ‘Tanvi The Great’ have positioned themselves as potential contenders in one of the most competitive Oscar categories. The development marks another moment of international recognition for Indian storytelling, following recent years of growing global attention.