The list of eligible films for the Best Animated Feature Film category at the Oscars 2026 has been released, and the Indian film 'Mahavatar Narasimha' has also secured its place.
Entertainment News: India's highest-grossing animated film 'Mahavatar Narasimha' has been shortlisted for the Best Animated Feature Film category at the Oscars 2026. A total of 34 films from around the world are included in this list. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has issued an official update confirming that this blockbuster film from India will compete with several other big names on the international stage.
'Mahavatar Narasimha' Shortlisting
This film by Kleem Productions and Hombale Films has been directed by Ashwin Kumar. It has been included in the Best Animated Feature Film category for the Oscars 2026. Other films nominated in this category are:
- K-Pop Demon Hunters
- Zootopia 2
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – Infinity Castle
According to Oscar rules, for any film to qualify, its length must be at least 40 minutes, and at least 75% of its runtime must consist of animation. 'Mahavatar Narasimha' meets all these criteria.
Stellar Box Office Performance
Released in July 2025, 'Mahavatar Narasimha' created a stir at the box office. It has become the highest-grossing Indian animated film to date. The film earned approximately 325 crore rupees worldwide, surprising both the trade and the industry. Audiences thoroughly enjoyed the film's story, brilliant animation, and character design. Young audiences and families, in particular, greatly enjoyed the film.
'Mahavatar Narasimha' is the first film in the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe. A total of 7 films will be released in this universe, with the next film, 'Mahavatar Parashurama', scheduled for worldwide theatrical release in 2027. The objective of this universe is to present Indian mythology and epic characters with modern animation and global storytelling.
Growing Oscar Prospects for India
Prior to this, Dharma Productions' 'Homebound' from India was chosen as an Oscar entry in the International Feature Film category. Now, the shortlisting of 'Mahavatar Narasimha' is a significant step towards international recognition for Indian animated films. The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on January 22, 2026. The grand finale will be held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood. This event will be broadcast live on the ABC channel.
