The Academy Awards 2025 has become a platform to celebrate the growing influence of Indian cinema, with six Indian films vying for the prestigious Best Picture category. This remarkable achievement reflects the creative diversity and global resonance of India’s storytelling traditions.
Among the contenders is All We Imagine as Light, an arthouse film by Payal Kapadia that has already earned accolades at international film festivals. Praised for its compelling narrative and visual depth, the film symbolizes the rise of Indian independent cinema in the global spotlight. Similarly, Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), adapted from Benyamin’s best-selling novel, explores the struggles of a migrant worker in Saudi Arabia. Directed by Blessy, its emotional narrative highlights the universal appeal of human resilience.
Adding to the list is Kanguva, a Tamil period action-drama starring Suriya, which faced commercial challenges but still earned recognition for its massive production scale and cultural ambition. Its inclusion highlights the evolving criteria for Oscar contention, focusing on creativity over box office success.
Other entries include , a historical biopic about India’s freedom fighter Vinayak Savarkar, and two independent films, Girls Will Be Girls and Putul, which challenge traditional storytelling norms with fresh perspectives on societal issues.
India’s Oscars journey this year extends beyond Best Picture. Guneet Monga’s short film Anuja has secured a spot in the Best Live Action Short Film shortlist, while mainstream entries like Kanguva showcase Indian cinema’s diverse storytelling capacity.
As the Oscars 2025 nominations approach, these films demonstrate Indian cinema’s growing international relevance, transcending cultural and geographical barriers to tell stories that resonate globally. The final nomination list will be announced on January 17, offering hope for Indian filmmakers to secure their place in cinematic history.
India’s journey from contenders to potential winners reflects its evolution on the world stage, with filmmakers embracing bold narratives and diverse storytelling techniques. This year’s representation is a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the global impact of Indian cinema.