Five Indian films, namely 'Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1,' 'Tanvi The Great,' 'Mahavatar Narsimha,' 'Tourist Family,' and the UK-India co-production 'Sister Midnight,' have been included in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' official reminder list of films eligible for Best Picture consideration at the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026. This list comprises 201 feature films from around the globe that have met specific qualifying criteria. It is crucial to differentiate between a film being 'eligible for consideration' and being 'nominated.' Eligibility means the film has fulfilled all the Academy's stringent requirements, allowing it to be voted upon by Academy members for potential nomination. These criteria include a qualifying theatrical run in at least 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets for seven consecutive days within 45 days of its initial 2025 release. Additionally, films must submit a confidential Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form and meet at least two of the four inclusion standards set by AMPAS, promoting diversity in representation, crew, and industry access. The original article's headline from Deccan Herald, stating 'Kantara Chapter 1' and 'Tanvi The Great' qualify for Best Picture race, is partially accurate but could be perceived as exaggerated, as it only highlights two of the five eligible Indian films and might lead audiences to confuse eligibility with actual nomination. While the films have successfully navigated the initial stages, the final nominations for the 98th Academy Awards across all categories will be officially announced on January 22, 2026. This significant presence on the eligibility list underscores the growing international recognition and impact of Indian cinema.