Subodh Khanolkar's Marathi-language film Dashavatar has achieved a landmark milestone by entering the contention list for the 98th Academy Awards, marking the first time a film from the Marathi cinema industry has reached this stage in the prestigious competition. The announcement was made on January 4, 2026, with producers celebrating the recognition as a significant advancement for regional Indian storytelling on the global stage.
Zee Studios, one of the key backers, highlighted the accomplishment on social media, proclaiming it the first Marathi film to join the Oscars race. The production house Ocean Film Company described the inclusion as a testament to the team's dedication, emphasizing how Dashavatar—their debut project—exemplifies the power of authentic Marathi narratives to resonate internationally.
Director Subodh Khanolkar shared confirmation via Instagram, posting a screenshot of an official email from the Academy stating that the film has been selected for the main open film category contention list. He noted that Dashavatar stands as the sole Marathi title among approximately 150 films chosen from thousands worldwide and the first to be available for viewing in the Academy's exclusive Screening Room.
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The ensemble cast features veteran actor Dilip Prabhavalkar in the lead role, supported by prominent performers including Mahesh Manjrekar, Bharat Jadhav, Siddharth Menon, Priyadarshini Indalkar, Vijay Kenkare, Ravi Kale, Abhinay Berde, Sunil Tawade, Aarti Wadagbalkar, and Lokesh Mittal. Produced under Zee Studios, Ocean Film Company, and Ocean Art House Production banners, the film was released in theaters on September 12, 2025.
Nominations for all categories at the 98th Academy Awards will be finalized between January 12 and 16, 2026, with the official announcement scheduled for January 22. The ceremony itself is set to take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, continuing the film's potential journey toward greater international acclaim.
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