Now, Two Indian Films In The Oscars Race

By Preeti Chandan

LOS ANGELES, CA – Marathi film ‘Dashavatar’ joins the Hindi-language ‘Homebound’ in vying for the coveted Oscars awards ramping up the excitement for India and Indian cinema lovers.

The news of ‘Dashavatar’ entering the Oscars race reverberated online over the weekend following producer Zee Studios’ exuberant Instagram announcement of the acclaimed film’s milestone moment: “First Marathi film to enter the Oscars Contention List. Born of red soil. Carried by tradition. Now global. Dashavatar is heading towards the Oscars!”

Subodh Khanolkar, the director of ‘Dashavatar’ confirmed on Instagram that he received the good news in an email from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences that presents the Oscars.

‘Dashavatar’ has been included in the Oscars Main Open Film Category Contention List, the official roster of feature films that have met the basic qualifying criteria for a given awards year and are in the running for an Oscar nomination in various categories including Best Picture, Directing, and Writing.

It’s inclusion in the List is the initial formal step in the Academy Awards evaluation process, allowing it to be viewed by Academy members in the official Screening Room for voting.

Expressing pride and elation, Khanolkar posted, “This satisfaction is not only because ‘Dashavatar’ is selected but because our Marathi film can stand up globally…”

‘Dashavatar’ is about an aging folk artist, played by renowned actor Dilip Prabhavalkar, in Maharashtra’s Konkan region. He uses the traditional ‘Dashavatar’ theatre form, blending myth, music, and dance, to fight corruption, environmental destruction, and personal tragedy, turning his final performance into a spiritual battle for his community’s heritage and nature.

The film is produced by Zee Studios, Ocean Film Company, and Ocean Art House Production. It was released in theaters on September 12, 2025.

Neeraj Ghaywan’s critically acclaimed ‘Homebound’ that premiered in Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival has already made it to the 15-film Oscars shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category. It is India’s official entry.

‘Homebound’ inspired by a true story of migrant laborers is about two marginalized childhood friends in rural India whose dreams of a better life are shattered during the COVID-19 lockdown, forcing them on a desperate journey home during which poverty, discrimination, and systemic neglect test their deep bond.

The next step for ‘Dashavatar’ and ‘Homebound’ is to secure a spot on the official nominations list to be announced on January 22. Success there will lead them to the Oscars ceremony on March 15, at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre.