‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ and ‘Mahavatar Narasimha’ submitted for Oscars; ‘Tourist Family’ too joins, cultural tales go global |
Academy has announced this year’s General Entry List featuring 201 films competing for Best Picture nomination. Out of which, Indian films hold notable positions as Hombale Films confirms entry for ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ and ‘Mahavatar Narasimha’. This guarantees the films to compete in acting, directing, producing, production design, cinematography, and other categories as well. Apart from these films, entries like ‘Tourist Family’, ‘Tanvi the Great’, and ‘Sister Midnight’ have also been submitted from India, showcasing the increasing belief in domestic content for an international audience.
Box office triumphs and critical aclaim
‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ and ‘Mahavatar Narasimha’ have already made a mark at the box office. ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ is directed by and starring Rishab Shetty with Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah, and with a total box office collection of ₹850 crores making it the highest-grossing Indian film in 2025. Culture, relatability, action, and impressive box office performance have combined to make an impact on both critics and audiences, praising its quality and story. On the other hand, Mahavatar Narasimha has a record of its own by grossing ₹325 crores at the box office with an ultimately authentic experience of Indian culture and myth. Finally, Tourist Family adds to the mix of Indian films with both contemporary plots.
Pride in cultural storytelling
Speaking about the Oscar entries, producer Vijay Kiragandur said to Cinema Express, “Kantara is a tale of ethos and legacy, it’s a moment of pride to have it appreciated globally. Local stories told well should travel far and wide.” About ‘Mahavatar Narasimha’, he said, “Indian mythology is mesmerizing. Being in the Oscar race, we’re aspiring higher to showcase Indian cultural and spiritual heritage to the worldwide audience.”
Expanding India’s global cinematic footprint
While being listed on the Academy’s General Entry List is encouraging, it does not ensure nominations. The list is rife with international heavyweights such as ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’, ‘Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning’, and ‘Lilo & Stitch’, suggesting stiff competition. However, it is the place of ‘Kantara’, ‘Mahavatar Narasimha’, and ‘Tourist Family’ that comes to signify the maturation of Indian film: taking their spot on the list through the earnestness of their box office numbers more than through the brilliance of their stories. Sure, the Oscars might be a pipe dream, but this is India’s entry into the world of cinema, and your guests will be able to look forward to exciting, inviting, if distinctly regional, content.
