Kantara: Chapter 1 and Mahavatar Narasimha join 201 feature films eligible for Best Picture consideration at the 98th Academy Awards, announced January 8, 2026. Rishab Shetty’s mythological prequel grossing over ₹850 crore globally explores Daiva worship origins alongside Hombale Films’ record-breaking animated Narasimha epic collecting ₹325 crore. Both met Academy standards including theatrical runs and inclusion criteria.
Kantara: Chapter 1 expands 2022 original’s folklore with Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah amid immersive action, natural landscapes earning international praise. Mahavatar Narasimha elevates Indian animation benchmarks through scale, artwork positioning against global studio dominance. India’s official entry Homebound accompanies independent campaigns by Anupam Kher’s Tanvi The Great, others in longlist.
Nominations announce January 22 requiring Academy branch screenings, final voting. Indian films rarely penetrate Best Picture finalists though cultural-commercial momentum positions Hombale duo prominently among 2025 heavyweights. Hombale ambition peaks. Kantara-Narasimha chase Oscar glory.
