India’s animation industry has achieved a major milestone as the epic animated feature film Mahavatar Narsimha officially qualifies for consideration in the Best Animated Feature category at the 2025 Academy Awards. Directed by Ashwin Kumar and produced by Kleem Productions in association with Hombale Films, the movie is now competing among 35 qualified international entries, marking a historic moment for Indian cinema.
Released on July 25, 2025, Mahavatar Narsimha is a visually stunning 2D-3D hybrid animated film based on the revered Indian mythological legend of Lord Narsimha, the fierce avatar of Lord Vishnu. The film was launched across multiple Indian languages including Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, aiming to reach diverse audiences across the nation.
In just weeks of release, the film stunned analysts by becoming India’s highest-grossing animated film ever, crossing the ₹100 crore box office milestone a record previously untouched by any Indian animated feature.
With this global recognition, Mahavatar Narsimha now stands alongside major international contenders like Pixar’s Elio and DreamWorks’ The Bad Guys 2. While the competition is tough, industry experts believe the film’s storytelling, animation style, and cultural significance make it a strong candidate to move forward in the nomination race.
If shortlisted, the film will rewrite history no Indian animated movie has ever reached the Oscar shortlist since the Best Animated Feature category was introduced in 2001. Animation enthusiasts and filmmakers see this milestone as a breakthrough moment that could push India into the global spotlight and open the doors for more large-scale animated productions rooted in Indian heritage.
The Academy’s animation branch will soon begin voting to narrow down the contenders to approximately 10 shortlisted films in January 2025, with final nominees to be announced closer to the ceremony.
Fans and critics have praised Mahavatar Narsimha for its world-class animation, immersive soundtrack, character depth, and respectful depiction of Indian mythology. The film’s international attention also highlights the growing global interest in Indian storytelling and cultural narratives.
As excitement builds, the Indian film fraternity and fans await the next stage of the Oscar race with anticipation. If Mahavatar Narsimha secures a shortlist or nomination, it could be a defining moment for India on the global cinematic map marking not just a win for the makers, but for the entire Indian animation industry.
Key Highlights:
- Mahavatar Narsimha qualifies for Best Animated Feature Oscar consideration
- Directed by Ashwin Kumar, produced by Kleem Productions & Hombale Films
- Released in five Indian languages
- Highest-grossing Indian animated film, earning over ₹100 crore
- Competing with globally recognized studios like Pixar and DreamWorks
India now waits eagerly as the journey of Mahavatar Narsimha continues possibly toward making Oscar history.
