Kantara Chapter 1 Enters Oscar Best Picture Race; Vivek Oberoi Calls It 'Roar Of Our Ancestors'

• Kantara: Chapter 1 is among 317 feature films eligible for the 98th Academy Awards, qualifying for Best Picture.
• Vivek Oberoi congratulated Rishab Shetty, stating the film carries "the raw, beating heart of Bharat into the global spotlight."
• Oberoi highlighted that the sacred ritual of Bhuta Kola from Tulunad has now become a worldwide phenomenon.
• The film is a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, exploring the ancient Tulu tradition of Daiva Kola.
• Kantara: Chapter 1 is the second highest-grossing Indian film of 2025, earning ₹813 crore worldwide in 25 days.

Why It Matters: Kantara Chapter 1 makes Oscar Best Picture eligibility list, hailed by Vivek Oberoi as a global cultural roar.