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The 97th Academy Awards have brought unexpected news for Indian cinema enthusiasts. Tamil-language epic Kanguva, starring Suriya and directed by Siva, has made it to the eligibility list for the Oscars 2025 in the Best Picture category. This announcement has sparked a mix of surprise, curiosity, and debate among fans and critics alike.
From its initial release to its underwhelming box office performance, Kanguva seemed destined for a quiet exit. However, its inclusion in the Oscar contenders list has reignited discussions about the film’s artistic and cinematic merit.
About ‘Kanguva’: A Period Drama with Grand Ambitions
Released on November 14, 2024, Kanguva is a period drama that intertwines two timelines. It tells the story of a warrior played by Suriya, whose journey spans centuries and touches upon themes of power, legacy, and sacrifice. Disha Patani stars as the female lead, and Bobby Deol plays a pivotal role as the antagonist.
With a budget of ₹300 crore, Kanguva was envisioned as a grand spectacle. The film boasted impressive visuals, period-accurate costumes, and music by acclaimed composer Devi Sri Prasad. Despite these efforts, the film struggled at the box office, earning only ₹100 crore, falling significantly short of expectations.
Critically, Kanguva received mixed reviews. While some praised the grandeur and Suriya’s performance, others criticized its predictable plot and uneven pacing. Its addition to the Oscar race has therefore left many questioning how it was chosen over other critically acclaimed Indian films.
Kanguva Selected for Oscar?
The inclusion of Kanguva in the Oscar eligibility list has taken many by surprise. Being on the list means the film meets the basic requirements set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. These criteria include specific release dates, theatrical screenings, and format guidelines. However, this does not mean the film has been nominated; it is merely eligible for consideration.
The Academy’s eligibility list for 2025 comprises 323 feature films, out of which only a fraction will make it to the final nominations. In the Best Picture category, Indian films like Aadujeevitham (Malayalam), Girls Will Be Girls (Hindi-English), and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (Hindi) have also been included alongside Kanguva.
While making it to the eligibility list is an achievement, the question remains: does Kanguva have the potential to secure a nomination? Fans and critics are divided. Some argue that its epic scale and visual appeal could resonate with the Academy, while others believe it lacks the depth and critical acclaim typical of Oscar nominees.
Public Reaction and Debate
The announcement of Kanguva‘s eligibility has ignited a flurry of discussions on social media platforms. Many fans of Suriya celebrated the film’s inclusion, considering it a testament to his star power and international appeal. However, a significant portion of the audience expressed skepticism about the film’s merit.
Comments such as “Kanguva for Oscars? Seriously?” and “What about other deserving films?” reflect the disbelief among critics and cinephiles. Some pointed to films like The Kerala Story and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, which had better box office performances or more favorable critical reviews, as more deserving contenders.
Adding to the debate is the fact that Kanguva‘s entry comes at a time when Indian cinema is seeing a surge in global recognition. With films like RRR creating waves at international award ceremonies last year, expectations for Indian entries to the Oscars have risen significantly.
Other Indian Films in the Oscar Race
Kanguva is not the only Indian film on the eligibility list. A total of seven Indian films have been included in the race for the Best Picture category. These are:
| Film Title | Language | Director |
|---|---|---|
| Kanguva | Tamil | Siva |
| Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) | Malayalam | Blessy |
| Girls Will Be Girls | Hindi-English | Shuchi Talati |
| Swatantrya Veer Savarkar | Hindi | Randeep Hooda |
| Santosh | Hindi | Sarvnik Kaur |
| All We Imagine as Light | Malayalam-Hindi | Ganesh Shetty |
| Putul | Bengali | Suman Mukhopadhyay |
Each of these films represents a different facet of Indian storytelling, showcasing the diversity of the nation’s cinema on a global platform.
The Oscar Selection Process
It is important to understand that being on the eligibility list is only the first step in a long journey. After this, members of the Academy vote to determine the shortlist, which is followed by a final round of voting to decide the nominations.
The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards will be announced on January 17, 2025, and the ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025. Until then, Kanguva‘s fate in the Oscar race remains uncertain.
What This Means for Indian Cinema
While Kanguva’s inclusion has sparked controversy, it also highlights the growing global presence of Indian cinema. In recent years, Indian films have been gaining recognition beyond domestic and diaspora audiences.
Films like RRR, which won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2023, and Liar’s Dice, India’s official entry in 2014, have paved the way for more Indian films to enter the global spotlight. Whether Kanguva lives up to this legacy or not, its entry into the Oscars race is another step toward increasing the visibility of Indian cinema on the world stage.
Conclusion
Kanguva‘s journey from a mixed critical reception to becoming an Oscar contender is a testament to the unpredictability of cinema. While its eligibility has raised eyebrows, it has also put the spotlight on Tamil cinema and Indian films at large.
As the world waits for the Oscar nominations to be announced, the inclusion of Kanguva has sparked important conversations about the evolving standards of global cinema and the role of Indian films in shaping them. Whether or not it secures a nomination, Kanguva has already carved its place in the history of Indian cinema’s engagement with the Academy Awards.
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