Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 qualifies for Oscars 2026, Rishabh Shetty expresses pride

kanatara chapter 1 oscar 2026

• Kantara: Chapter 1 qualifies for Oscar 2026 Best Picture consideration
• Film marks 100 days in cinemas, celebrated by director Rishab Shetty
• Kantara added to Academy's General Entry List for major categories.

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Kannada superstar Rishab Shetty has expressed immense pride after his critically acclaimed film Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 officially qualified for consideration at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) — a rare achievement for an Indian film outside the country’s official submission process. The development has sparked celebration in Indian film circles as Kantara earns recognition alongside other notable titles in the global awards race.

The Hombale Films production — a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara — recently marked 100 days in cinemas, a milestone director-star Shetty acknowledged with gratitude to the cast, crew and audiences.In response to the Oscars news, he remarked, "I am extremely proud that the film has reached viewers globally and is now Oscar-qualified."

The actor-director shared on Saturday: "100 days of #KantaraChapter1! I’m thankful to my team and to everyone who has shown us such immense support."

100 days of #KantaraChapter1! I’m grateful to my team and to everyone who supported us with so much love. Feeling incredibly proud that the film has reached audiences around the world and is now Oscar-qualified.#Kantara@hombalefilms@KantaraFilm@VKiragandur@ChaluveG… pic.twitter.com/suLwRB6uzC

— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) January 10, 2026

Although Kantara is not India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category — that honour went to Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound — it has nevertheless met the Academy’s eligibility criteria for the Best Picture race. Along with Kantara: Chapter 1, several other Indian productions including Mahavatar Narsimha, Tourist Family and Tanvi The Great have also secured places among the 201 feature films worldwide eligible for consideration in the Best Picture category.

Hombale Films previously shared on social media that Kantara: Chapter 1 and Mahavatar Narasimha have made it onto the Academy’s General Entry List. For those who are unaware, both films are now qualified for consideration in prominent Oscar categories such as Best Picture, acting, direction, cinematography, production design, and screenplay. They will be subjected to an initial evaluation by the Academy before being shortlisted and nominated.

Kantara: Chapter 1 has garnered widespread acclaim for its authentic storytelling rooted in tradition and mythology, compelling performances by Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah, and strong technical execution — elements that underpin its Oscar qualification and global appeal.

Also read: Rishab Shetty hails Jana Nayagan trailer, wishes Thalapathy Vijay and team ahead of Pongal release

While final nominations remain uncertain, Kantara’s presence in the Oscar eligibility list represents a significant moment for Indian cinema on the international stage, highlighting its growing reach and recognition at one of the world’s most prestigious film awards.