Mumbai: Ahead of the 96th Academy Awards, filmmaker Subodh Khanolkar’s Marathi film ‘Dasavatar’ has been included in the Oscar contender list, the makers confirmed on Sunday.
In an official social media announcement, Zee Studios Official shared the latest milestone of the film.
The caption reads, “The first Marathi film to be included in the Oscar list. Born in red soil. Grown by tradition. Now global. Dashavatar is headed for the Oscars!”
With this, ‘Dasavatar’ has also become the first Marathi film to make it to the prestigious list, thus officially joining the Oscar race.
Ocean Film Company, the film’s production house, said, “A milestone moment for us and Marathi cinema. Ocean Film Company’s debut film Dashavatar at the Oscars is a testament to the passion, belief and tireless efforts of our entire team! Honored and grateful to see Marathi storytelling shine on the global stage.”
First Marathi film to enter Oscar controversy list
Born from red soil. Driven by tradition. Now global.Dashavatar is heading towards Oscar!#dasavatar #DasavatarHeadingToOscars #dasavatarfilm #OscarNomination #dilipprabhalkar #OceanArtHouse, pic.twitter.com/UjjnxvdF6z– Zee Studios (@ZeeStudios_) 4 January 2026
Add Zee News as favorite source
Director Subodh Khanolkar initially confirmed the selection on Instagram with a screenshot of the mail he received from the Academy.
“I received an email that ‘Dasavatar’ has been selected in the main competition of the Academy Awards (Main Open Film Category – Controversy List). I was satisfied with the hard work done by all of us over the last several years. This satisfaction is not just because ‘Dasavatar’ has been selected, but because our Marathi film can stand on the global stage… Dashavatar is probably the first Marathi film to be selected in the main competition category. Among the 150+ films selected out of thousands of films This is the only Marathi film to be shown in the Academy Screening Room!” He has written.
Written and directed by Subodh Khanolkar, ‘Dasavatar’ stars Dilip Prabhavalkar along with Mahesh Manjrekar, Bharat Jadhav, Siddharth Menon, Priyadarshini Indalkar, Vijay Kenkare, Ravi Kale, Abhinay Berde, Sunil Tawde, Aarti Vadagabalkar and Lokesh Mittal in the lead roles.
Made under the banner of Zee Studios, Ocean Film Company and Ocean Art House Productions, the film is produced by Sujay Hande, Omkar Kate, Subodh Khanolkar, Ashok Hande, Aditya Joshi, Nitin Sahasrabuddhe, Mrinal Sahasrabuddhe, Sanjay Dubey and Vinayak Joshi.
‘Dasavatar’ was released in theaters on 12 September 2025.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, nominations across all categories will be adjudicated from January 12-16, 2026, and announced on January 22, 2026.
The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15, 2026 at the Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood.