Nov 11, 2026 1:19pm IST
‘Ramayana’ Reportedly Submitted for 99th Oscars Consideration
Nitesh Tiwari’s “Ramayana: Part 1” could be heading for an international awards run. The makers of the Ranbir Kapoor and Yash-starrer have reportedly submitted the first instalment of the two-part epic for consideration at the 99th Academy Awards.
The development comes shortly after Marathi film “Gondhal” was selected as India’s official entry in the International Feature Film category, raising questions about how two Indian films can be part of the same Oscars race.
The distinction lies in the categories. “Gondhal” is India's official selection for the International Feature Film category, which follows a country-based submission process. However, that does not prevent another Indian production from independently seeking consideration in other Oscar categories. Films from across the world can enter the Academy's general awards race if they meet the prescribed eligibility requirements.
Related Stories
For a feature film to qualify in the general categories, it must complete a minimum seven-day theatrical run in the same commercial cinema in at least one of six qualifying US metropolitan areas: Los Angeles County, New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth or Atlanta. The run must include at least three public screenings each day, with one beginning between 6 pm and 10 pm. Additional theatrical distribution and inclusion requirements apply for Best Picture consideration.
The Academy's deadline for submission forms for the 99th Oscars is November 12, 2026, while qualifying theatrical runs for general categories must begin by December 31. Whether “Ramayana: Part 1” fulfils all the applicable requirements will determine its eligibility. A reported submission does not automatically mean the film has qualified, made a shortlist or secured a nomination.
Directed by Tiwari, “Ramayana: Part 1” features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The ensemble also includes Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Backed by Namit Malhotra, the film is the first instalment of a planned two-part adaptation of the epic.
The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027, in Los Angeles. Shortlists are due to be announced on December 15, 2026, followed by nominations on January 21, 2027.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.