India’s acclaimed animated film Mahavatar Narsimha, directed by Ashwin Kumar, has officially entered the eligibility list for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best Animated Feature Film category—marking a historic moment for Indian animation. The film, which explores the mythological journey of Vishnu’s incarnations Varaha and Narasimha, now places India in strong contention for what could potentially become its first-ever Oscar nomination in this category.
The Academy confirmed the list of eligible films with an official statement: “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.”
The final list of nominees will be announced on December 16.
Competing With the World’s Best
Mahavatar Narsimha joins a star-studded global lineup that includes some of the biggest animation studios and franchises. The list features:
- Netflix’s Kpop Demon Hunters
- DreamWorks’ The Bad Guys 2
- Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2
- Chainsaw Man
- Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle
- Disney-Pixar’s upcoming film Elio
In a surprising twist, China’s highly anticipated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 is absent from the eligibility list, making this year’s competition even more unpredictable.
How the Film Qualified
The film secured its eligibility by meeting the Academy’s strict criteria:
- A minimum seven-day commercial theatrical run in the U.S.
- At least three screenings per day, including one between 6 pm and 10 pm
- The film must run longer than 40 minutes
- At least 75% of the film must be animated
Mahavatar Narsimha fulfilled all requirements, positioning itself among the strongest international contenders.
A Mythological Cinematic Universe in the Making
Directed by Ashwin Kumar, the film retells the dramatic and revered stories of Vishnu’s avatars Varaha and Narasimha. Released in July in both 2D and 3D formats, the mythological epic emerged as one of the year’s biggest box-office successes before premiering on Netflix.
The film serves as the first chapter in an ambitious seven-part cinematic universe centred around Vishnu’s avatars. The next film in the series, Mahavatar Parshuram, focusing on the deity’s sixth incarnation, is slated for release in 2027.
With powerful storytelling, cultural depth, and visual richness, Mahavatar Narsimha has not only resonated with Indian audiences but also caught the attention of global critics—strengthening India’s presence on the world animation stage.