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Marathi cinema enters Oscars race with 'Dashavatar'
The film’s entry into the Oscars 2026 contention list reflects a defining moment for India’s regional industries and its increasing global visibility.
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Rwittika Chakraborty
- Wed, 14, Jan 2026
- 02:15 EST
- 8
'Dashavatar.' / Instagram/@dashavatarfilm
Marathi cinema has achieved a milestone on the global stage with 'Dashavatar' becoming the first-ever Marathi film to enter the Oscars 2026 contention list.
The film, which is currently streaming exclusively on ZEE5 Global, has been officially made available on the Academy Screening Room and is selected among a chosen pool of international films being considered for the upcoming Academy Awards.
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Directed by Subodh Khanolkar, 'Dashavatar' stars an ensemble cast led by Dilip Prabhavalkar, alongside Mahesh Manjrekar, Bharat Jadhav, Abhinay Berde, Priyadarshini Indalkar, Siddharth Menon, Aarti Wadagbalkar, Ravi Kale, and Vijay Kenkre.
'Dashavatar' has been selected from thousands of submissions worldwide, and is the sole Marathi-language entry among over 150 titles in contention, marking a significant breakthrough for regional Indian cinema.
The film is set against the evocative landscapes of Maharashtra’s Konkan region, and draws from the centuries-old Dashavatari folk theatre tradition.
The film follows Babuli Mestri, an ageing folk performer whose unwavering faith comes alive during a Mahashivratri performance. As the narrative unfolds, the boundaries between art and divinity blur, shaping a powerful meditation on belief, morality, and the triumph of good over evil.
It was released theatrically on Sep. 12, 2025, and went on to have its world digital premiere on ZEE5 Global on Nov. 14, 2025, expanding its reach to audiences across geographies.
'Dashavatar,' which has received much praise for its authenticity, visual detailing, and emotional depth, celebrates Marathi heritage while addressing the tension between tradition and modernity.
As the film reached this global milestone, director Khanolkar referred to it as a proud moment for Marathi cinema, noting that the journey of 'Dashavatar' reflects the strength of stories rooted in local culture yet resonant on a universal scale.
The film’s entry into the Oscars 2026 contention list reflects a defining moment for India’s regional industries and its increasing global visibility.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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