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Marathi film Dashavatar enters Oscars contention list
Entry into the contention list represents the first formal step in the Academy’s evaluation process.
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 05, Jan 2026
- 15:32 EST
- 43
Dashavatar's poster / Instagram (Zee Studios)
Marathi feature film Dashavatar has been included in the Oscar contention list ahead of the 98th Academy Awards, marking a significant moment for regional Indian cinema.
Directed by Subodh Khanolkar, the film has been selected in the main competition’s open film category. Khanolkar said the inclusion is a rare distinction for a Marathi-language production.
Also Read: ‘Homebound’ selected as India’s 2026 Oscar entry
The list is drawn from more than 2,000 submissions worldwide, with only about 150 to 250 titles advancing to this stage. Films that make the list move forward to additional rounds of screening and voting by Academy members.
Written and directed by Khanolkar, Dashavatar features an ensemble cast that includes Dilip Prabhavalkar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Bharat Jadhav, Siddharth Menon, Priyadarshini Indalkar, Vijay Kenkare, Ravi Kale, Abhinay Berde, Sunil Tawade, Aarti Wadagbalkar, and Lokesh Mittal.
The narrative centers on Babuli Mestri, an aging folk performer from the Konkan region known for portraying the ten avatars of Vishnu. As his eyesight deteriorates and his son seeks a modern life, Babuli confronts questions of identity, legacy, and change.
The film was released theatrically on Sept. 12, 2025, and is backed by Zee Studios, Ocean Film Company, and Ocean Art House Production.
Calling the inclusion a “historic moment for Marathi cinema,” Zee Studios described Dashavatar as a story rooted in local culture that has now reached a global platform. Ocean Film Company, said the recognition reflects years of sustained effort and signals wider visibility for regional cinema on the international stage.
Alongside Dashavatar, another Indian title, Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been shortlisted as India’s official entry in the Best International Feature Film category.
According to industry timelines, nominations for the 98th Academy Awards are expected to be finalized between Jan. 12 and 16, with the announcement scheduled for Jan. 22. The awards ceremony will be held on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre.
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