Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological epic Ramayana: Part 1, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, has reportedly been submitted for consideration at the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2027. The development has brought renewed attention to the ambitious Indian production, which features an ensemble cast led by Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash.
The reported submission comes shortly after Marathi film Gondhal was selected as India’s official entry in the Best International Feature Film category. However, the selection of one Indian film for that category does not prevent other productions from independently seeking consideration in other Oscar categories, provided they meet the Academy’s eligibility requirements.
‘Ramayana’ Enters the International Awards Conversation
The first instalment of the planned two-part adaptation of the Indian epic is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and backed by producer Namit Malhotra. The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, with Ravie Dubey portraying Lakshman. The wider cast includes several prominent names from Indian cinema.
The reported Oscar submission represents a potential opportunity for the production to gain international recognition beyond its theatrical performance. However, the development should be viewed as an initial step rather than confirmation of an Oscar nomination.
As of November 11, the makers had not publicly confirmed the reported submission. The film’s eligibility will depend on compliance with the Academy’s applicable rules and theatrical-release requirements.
Why India Can Have More Than One Film in the Oscars Race
India’s official selection for the International Feature Film category follows a different process from the Academy’s general award categories. The country’s chosen film competes through the international submission route, while other eligible productions can pursue opportunities in categories such as cinematography, music, visual effects and other technical or artistic fields.
For Ramayana: Part 1, this distinction is important. The selection of Gondhal as India’s official entry does not automatically exclude the mythological epic from consideration elsewhere at the Academy Awards.
To qualify for the general categories, a feature film must meet the Academy’s theatrical-release rules. These include a minimum seven-day consecutive theatrical run in the same commercial cinema in one of six qualifying US metropolitan areas: Los Angeles County, New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth or Atlanta.
The screenings must be open to the public and paid, with at least three screenings daily. At least one screening each day must begin between 6 pm and 10 pm. Additional conditions apply to films seeking consideration for Best Picture.
Important Dates for the 99th Academy Awards
The Academy has set November 12, 2026, as the deadline for submission forms in the general entry categories. Qualifying theatrical runs for the 99th Oscars must begin by December 31, 2026, and satisfy the prescribed requirements.
The Academy’s schedule includes the following key dates:
- November 12, 2026: Deadline for general-category submission forms.
- December 15, 2026: Shortlists are scheduled to be announced.
- January 21, 2027: Oscar nominations are scheduled to be announced.
- March 14, 2027: The 99th Academy Awards ceremony will take place.
Meeting the submission deadline alone does not guarantee eligibility, a place on a shortlist or a nomination. The film must fulfil the relevant criteria before it can advance through the awards process.
What an Oscar Consideration Could Mean for ‘Ramayana’
For the filmmakers, an international awards campaign could help bring wider attention to the scale and technical ambitions of the production. The story draws on one of India’s most influential epics, while the film’s cast and production team bring together prominent figures from the country’s entertainment industry.
Nevertheless, the reported submission remains distinct from an official Academy nomination. The film’s progress will depend on its eligibility, the categories pursued and the Academy’s subsequent selection process.
For Indian cinema, the development highlights how productions beyond a country’s official International Feature Film entry can also seek recognition at the Oscars. Whether Ramayana: Part 1 advances further will become clearer as the Academy’s eligibility process and awards calendar move forward
