Cinema VinesEvery year, film lovers across India wait with anticipation for the announcement of the country’s representative at the Academy Awards. This year, the Film Federation of India (FFI) will reveal its choice on Friday at 3 pm during a ceremony in Mumbai.
The FFI has long been tasked with selecting India’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category. While the federation picks a single film to represent the nation, other Indian productions can submit themselves independently for the same category. This year, several titles have already been submitted under the Academy’s eligibility rules, which require a theatrical release in India between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026 and a minimum seven‑day run.
Last year’s official entry, the Bollywood drama Homebound—a tale of two friends chasing police careers—failed to reach the Oscar shortlist. This time, Malayalam cinema is expected to have a stronger showing. Among the contenders is Balan, directed by Chidambaram, which examines the bond between a mother and her son. Malayalam films had a notable moment in 2024 when Jude Anthany Joseph’s 2018 was chosen as India’s official submission.
Other films likely in the running include Dorothy and Dhurandhar 2. Across the globe, 62 countries have already submitted entries for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
