10 January 2023
Hyderabad

Box-office riches and critics' plaudits aside, the makers of Kantara, fronted by Rishab Shetty, have now one more reason to rejoice. A Hombale Films production dubbed into five languages, the Kannada ecological drama has made it to the Oscars contention list in the Best Picture and Best Actor categories. As a result, the film is now eligible for the Oscar members to cast a vote which will get it included in the main nominations. The voting by 9,579 Academy members will take place between January 12 and 17.

Actor-director Rishab Shetty is naturally over the moon with the recognition. “We are overjoyed to share that 'Kantara' has received 2 Oscar qualifications! A heartfelt thank you to all who have supported us. We look forward to share this journey ahead with all of your support. Can’t wait to see it shine at the #Oscars #Kantara,” he posted on Twitter on Tuesday.

Vivek Agnihotri’s The Kashmir Files is also one among the 301 films shortlisted for consideration for the Best Picture award at the 95th Academy Awards. Gangubai Kathiawadi, RRR, and Chhello Show are other Indian films on this list. “BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: #TheKashmirFiles has been shortlisted for #Oscars2023 in the first list of @TheAcademy. It’s one of the 5 films from India. I wish all of them very best. A great year for Indian cinema. #PallaviJoshi #MithunChakraborty @DarshanKumaar @AnupamPKher are all shortlisted for best actor categories. It’s just the beginning. A long long road ahead. Pl bless them all,” Vivek Agnihotri tweeted in a series of posts.

Both Kantara and The Kashmir Files were two of the highest-grossing Indian movies of 2022, earning more than Rs 400 crore at the Indian turnstiles.

The 95th Academy Awards will be held on March 12, 2023 at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre. Popular US TV presenter Jimmy Kimmel will be hosting the ceremony.