India’s mythological animated film Mahavatar Narsimha, has made a big move toward worldwide recognition by being one of the 35 films that have been identified as eligible for consideration in the Best Animated Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, which will be held on March 16, 2026.
In case the movie is shortlisted for the final nominations, it may be the very first instance of an Indian animated film featuring a single narrative that will have reached this milestone. The announcement of the official nomination list will be made on December 16.
Academy Confirms Eligibility List
The Academy released an official statement noting:
“Thirty-five features are eligible for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards… Some of the films have not yet had their required qualifying release and must fulfil that requirement and comply with all the category’s other qualifying rules to advance in the voting process.”
To qualify, films must:
Complete a minimum seven-day commercial run in the U.S.
Screen at least three times per day, including one show between 6 pm and 10 pm
Run for over 40 minutes
Feature 75% or more animation
Mahavatar Narsimha met all these requirements, including its mandatory U.S. theatrical run.
A Strong & Competitive Global Line-Up
The film joins a powerhouse list of contenders, including:
Kpop Demon Hunters (Netflix)
The Bad Guys 2 (DreamWorks)
Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios)
Chainsaw Man
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle
Elio (Disney-Pixar)
Surprisingly, the much-anticipated Chinese blockbuster Ne Zha 2 was not included in the eligibility list, adding unpredictability to this year’s competition.
A Mythological Epic Resonating Worldwide
Animated Indian film Mahavatar Narsimha directed by Ashwin Kumar, chronicles the amazing adventures of Lord Vishnu’s two incarnations Narrasimha and Varaha. It was released in July in 3D and 2D formats and made a massive Indian animated hit of the year before being premiered on Netflix.
It is a cinematic universe comprising seven parts that tell the story of Vishnu’s avatars. This film is the first chapter.
It is expected that the next episode, Mahavatar Parshuram, which will tell the story of the sixth Vishnu’s incarnation, will be released in 2027.
A Major Moment for Indian Animation
Indian animation has been largely unnoticed by the global community and has been overshadowed by Bollywood. With the recognition of Mahavatar Narsimha on the Oscars global stage, the situation has changed. By employing the latest techniques in animation, weaving an engrossing narrative, and drawing upon the cultural heritage, the film has all the attributes of a victor in this very competitive category.
