Table of Contents
- A Historic Day for Bollywood and Sandalwood
- What Does Oscars 2025 Eligibility Really Mean?
- Kantara Chapter 1: A Cultural Powerhouse on the Global Stage
- Tanvi The Great: Anupam Kher’s Bold New Venture
- The Academy’s Rigorous Requirements and Why They Matter
- Can an Indian Film Win Best Picture? A Realistic Outlook
- Conclusion: A New Chapter for Indian Cinema
- Sources
A Historic Day for Bollywood and Sandalwood
The 98th Academy Awards are already making history before a single golden statuette has been handed out. For the first time in recent memory, not one but two Indian films—Rishab Shetty’s Kannada-language epic Kantara: A Legend—Chapter 1 and Anupam Kher’s English-language drama Tanvi The Great—have officially qualified for the prestigious Oscars 2025 Best Picture race .
This dual entry is more than just a coincidence; it’s a powerful signal that Indian cinema is diversifying its global strategy. From the folkloric, high-octane spectacle of Sandalwood to the nuanced, character-driven storytelling of a veteran Bollywood star, India is showcasing the full breadth of its cinematic talent on the world’s biggest stage.
What Does Oscars 2025 Eligibility Really Mean?
It’s crucial to understand what this milestone signifies. Being on the list of eligible films for Oscars 2025 doesn’t mean a nomination is guaranteed. Instead, it confirms that both Kantara and Tanvi The Great have successfully cleared the Academy’s initial administrative hurdles .
To even be considered, a film must meet several non-negotiable criteria:
- It must have had a qualifying theatrical run in Los Angeles County for at least seven consecutive days.
- It must adhere to the Academy’s Representation and Inclusion Standards (RAISE) for Best Picture eligibility, which assess on-screen representation, creative leadership, and industry access opportunities .
- All official submissions and fees must be processed correctly by the deadline.
Clearing these bars is a significant achievement in itself, especially for non-English language films navigating a complex Hollywood system.
Kantara Chapter 1: A Cultural Powerhouse on the Global Stage
Rishab Shetty’s Kantara is a cultural phenomenon in India. Blending Tulu folklore, breathtaking action sequences, and a deep spiritual core, the film became a massive box office success and a critical darling. Its journey from a regional hit to an Oscars 2025 contender is a testament to the universal power of authentic storytelling [[INTERNAL_LINK:kantara-film-analysis]].
The film’s raw energy, stunning cinematography of the Western Ghats, and its exploration of man’s relationship with nature and tradition offer something fresh and distinct to the Academy voters, who are often drawn to unique cultural perspectives. If it can capture their imagination, Kantara could become a serious dark horse in the race.
Tanvi The Great: Anupam Kher’s Bold New Venture
On the other end of the spectrum is Tanvi The Great, a project spearheaded by the legendary Anupam Kher. While plot details have been kept tightly under wraps, the film is understood to be a powerful character study, likely centered around a strong female protagonist—a theme that resonates deeply with current global cinematic trends .
Kher, a familiar face in international cinema with roles in projects like The Big Sick and Homeland, brings his immense credibility and network to this venture. By producing and starring in an English-language film designed for a global audience, he’s playing a strategic long game. His entry represents a more traditional, Hollywood-aligned path to Oscar recognition, complementing Kantara’s grassroots authenticity.
The Academy’s Rigorous Requirements and Why They Matter
The fact that both films met the RAISE standards is particularly noteworthy. These standards were introduced to push the industry toward greater equity and inclusion. For an Indian production to comply demonstrates a conscious effort to align with modern global values, moving beyond just entertainment to make a social statement. This alignment is increasingly important for any film hoping to be taken seriously in major award categories.
Can an Indian Film Win Best Picture? A Realistic Outlook
While the excitement is palpable, it’s important to maintain perspective. The Best Picture category is fiercely competitive, typically dominated by big-budget American studio productions with massive marketing campaigns behind them.
However, the goal isn’t always to win. Simply being shortlisted or receiving a nomination would be a monumental achievement that would elevate the profile of the entire Indian film industry. It opens doors for future filmmakers, attracts international co-productions, and validates the quality of Indian storytelling on a global scale. The real victory is in the attempt and the precedent it sets.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Indian Cinema
The dual qualification of Kantara and Tanvi The Great for the Oscars 2025 Best Picture race marks a pivotal moment. It shows that Indian cinema is no longer waiting for a single, government-selected entry for the International Feature category. Instead, it’s proactively and confidently engaging with the entire Academy Awards ecosystem on its own diverse terms. Whether they secure nominations or not, their presence on the list has already changed the narrative, proving that stories from India belong in the global conversation.