Hombale Films, one of India’s most celebrated and visionary production houses, has reached yet another prestigious milestone on the global stage. Two of its highly acclaimed films from 2025 – Mahavatar Narasimha and Kantara: Chapter 1 – have been officially submitted to the Oscar General Entry List, marking a proud and historic moment for Indian cinema.
The Oscar contention list represents the initial eligibility stage of the Academy Awards. Films that meet the Academy’s criteria can submit themselves for consideration across general categories by fulfilling eligibility requirements, paying fees and completing the formal submission process.
These films are then reviewed by Academy members for potential nomination.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced the 201 eligible films that directly qualify for the prestigious Best Picture category and Kantara: Chapter 1 and Mahavatar Narasimha have placed themselves among the potential contenders on the global platform.
About Kantara: Chapter 1
Directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Vijay Kiragandur, received widespread acclaim for its storytelling depth, cultural authenticity, technical brilliance, and cinematic vision.
Made on a budget of Rs 130 cr, the film earned Rs 622.5 crore at the domestic box office. The worldwide collection of the film is Rs 853.4 crore
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It explores the origins of the Daivas, Guliga and Panjurli. When the King of Bangra is killed by the Daivas for his greed and destruction, his son Vijayendra vows never to set foot in Kantara. Decades later, his reckless heir Kulshekhara (Gulshan Devaiah) breaks this pact and enters the forbidden land. Rishab Shetty plays Berme, a spirited young man from the tribe who bravely defends his people. What follows is a gripping clash between the kingdom and the tribals, rooted in faith, tradition, and survival.
About Mahavatar Narasimha
Directed by Ashwin Kumar and presented by Hombale Films, Mahavatar Narasimha is the highest-grossing Indian animated film of all time, with a total collection of Rs 326 crore worldwide.
The story traces the origin of demon brothers, Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, who challenge cosmic order and wage war against the gods. Hiranyaksha is destroyed by Vishnu’s Varaha avatar. Hiranyakashipu`s son, Prahlada, becomes a devout follower of Vishnu. The father-son conflict leads to the emergence of Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar, one of his most fearsome and powerful incarnations.
Mahavatar Narsimha is the first installment in a planned multi-film franchise based on Lord Vishnu’s avatars. Future instalments include Mahavatar Parshuram (2027), Mahavatar Raghunandan (2029), Mahavatar Dwarkadhish (2031), Mahavatar Gokulananda (2033), and the two-part Mahavatar Kalki (2035 and 2037).
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Their inclusion in the General Entry List makes them eligible for consideration and shortlisting across major Oscar general categories, including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Producer, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay/Writing, Best Production Design, and Best Cinematography, subject to Academy evaluation.
Notably, out of the five Indian films featured in the Oscar General Entry List this year, two belong to Hombale Films, underscoring the production house’s growing influence and consistent contribution to Indian cinema’s global presence.
This recognition highlights their continued commitment to backing powerful stories, pushing creative boundaries, and presenting Indian cinema with authenticity and scale on international platforms.
As Indian cinema continues to gain momentum worldwide, this achievement by Hombale Films stands as a testament to the industry’s evolving global footprint and creative strength.
Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on January 22.
