India’s mythological animated feature Mahavatar Narsimha has taken a major leap onto the world stage by officially entering the race for Best Animated Feature at the 98th Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has unveiled a lineup of 35 films competing for the prestigious category, placing the Indian title alongside international giants including Zootopia 2, KPop Demon Hunter, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle.
In its announcement, AMPAS confirmed that the 35 shortlisted films will now move into the next phase of evaluation. Several contenders are yet to complete their mandatory qualifying release and must fulfil all eligibility rules to remain in the running. The Animation Branch members are automatically eligible to vote on the final nominees, while other Academy members may opt in after meeting the viewing requirements. The shortlist will eventually be narrowed down to five official nominees.
The Academy also reiterated that films submitted in the animated feature category may qualify across other Oscar categories, including Best Picture. Titles representing their nations in the International Feature Film category remain equally eligible for animated consideration.
Directed by Ashwin Kumar and produced by Shilpaa Dhawan under Hombale Films, Mahavatar Narsimha retells the revered story of Lord Narasimha the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The film marks the beginning of an ambitious seven-part Mahavatar Cinematic Universe inspired by the ten avatars of Vishnu.
Currently streaming on Netflix, the film’s entry into the Oscars race signals a milestone moment for Indian animation, elevating homegrown mythology-driven storytelling to a global platform.
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