Mumbai, India – The race for India’s official entry to the 99th Academy Awards is officially underway, with the Film Federation of India (FFI) accepting applications until September 7 and planning to announce its selection on September 19. Eligible films must have been theatrically released in India between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. This year’s slate of contenders is diverse, ranging from big-budget epics to intimate regional dramas, each with a strong case for selection. Here is a look at the frontrunners and dark horses in the race.
Dorothy (Tamil): Karthik Subbaraj’s upcoming film, starring Keerthy Suresh, is one of the most closely watched contenders. It will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival before its Indian release on September 25. With a score by Ilaiyaraaja and a strong international platform, it could appeal to the FFI jury looking for a film capable of traveling beyond India.
Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 (Kannada): Rishab Shetty’s epic expands the mythology of the 2022 blockbuster, drawing heavily on folklore and ritual traditions. Its producers, Hombale Films, have demonstrated international ambitions, and the film has gained momentum with a Best Director win for Shetty at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
Village Rockstars 2 (Assamese): Rima Das’ sequel won the Kim Jiseok Award for Best Film at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival. Given that the original Village Rockstars was India’s entry for the 91st Academy Awards, this sequel has a strong selection case.
Not a Hero (Assamese-Hindi-English): Also by Rima Das, this film received a Crystal Bear Special Mention at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival. Its participation depends on meeting the theatrical-release requirement.
Lovers in the Blue Night (Hindi): Anuparna Roy’s film will premiere in the Orizzonti section of the Venice Film Festival, where Roy won Best Director in 2025. A strong reception could significantly alter its position.
Shape of Momo (Nepali-Sikkimese): This India-South Korea co-production premiered at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival and has continued its international run, giving it a strong festival pedigree.
Kaantha (Tamil): Starring Dulquer Salmaan, this period drama set in 1950s Madras won Salmaan the Best Actor award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Its focus on cinema history could appeal to the FFI.
Other Contenders: Films like Balan: The Boy, Ikkis, and Haq have credible Indian contexts but lack the festival momentum of the leading films. Mainstream Hindi films like Dhurandhar are less likely to be chosen, given the FFI’s recent preference for socially conscious and regional independent films.
The FFI’s recent choices—Koozhangal (2021), Chhello Show (2022), *2018* (2023), Laapataa Ladies (2024), and Homebound (2025)—show a preference for diverse storytelling. Last year’s Homebound gave India its strongest recent Oscar showing, reaching the 15-film shortlist. With submissions closing on September 7 and the selection set for September 19, the decision will be closely watched.
