The 98th Academy Awards have delivered thrilling news for India: ‘Kantara’ is now in contention for Best Picture. Actor Vivek Oberoi led the tributes, hailing director-star Rishab Shetty for propelling Kannada cinema onto the world map.
‘To Rishab Shetty and the Kantara family—massive congratulations on the Best Picture shortlist! Your hard work is paying off at the biggest stage,’ Oberoi exclaimed in his social media shoutout, sparking a flurry of patriotic responses.
Hailing from the Tulu-speaking regions, ‘Kantara’ masterfully fuses ancient rituals with modern drama. Its narrative centers on a young man’s quest for justice intertwined with godly possessions, delivering goosebump-inducing sequences that theaters echoed with cheers.
Grossing over ₹400 crore worldwide, the film’s box-office dominance paved the way for its Oscar buzz. India’s selection committee chose it for International Feature, and while it didn’t advance there, the Best Picture inclusion is a game-changer—only a handful of non-English films have reached this far.
Rishab Shetty’s directorial vision, coupled with stunning cinematography by Satya Hegde, creates a hypnotic world. The film’s themes of environmental harmony and cultural preservation resonate deeply in today’s context.
As Hollywood honors global talents, ‘Kantara’ exemplifies how authenticity trumps trends. With the nominees set to be revealed soon, all eyes are on this underdog’s potential to create history.