Marathi cinema has scripted a landmark moment on the global stage with Dashavatar becoming the first-ever Marathi film to enter the Oscars 2026 contention list. The film, which is currently streaming exclusively on ZEE5 Global, has been officially made available on the Academy Screening Room, placing it among a select pool of international films being considered for the upcoming Academy Awards.
Directed by Subodh Khanolkar, Dashavatar stars an ensemble cast led by Dilip Prabhavalkar, alongside Mahesh Manjrekar, Bharat Jadhav, Abhinay Berde, Priyadarshini Indalkar, Siddharth Menon, Aarti Wadagbalkar, Ravi Kale, and Vijay Kenkre. Selected from thousands of submissions worldwide, the film stands out as the sole Marathi-language entry among over 150 titles in contention, marking a significant breakthrough for regional Indian cinema.
Rooted in Folk Tradition, Resonating Globally
Set against the evocative landscapes of Maharashtra’s Konkan region, Dashavatar draws from the centuries-old Dashavatari folk theatre tradition. The film follows Babuli Mestri, an ageing folk performer whose unwavering faith comes alive during a Mahashivratri performance. As the narrative unfolds, the boundaries between art and divinity blur, shaping a powerful meditation on belief, morality, and the triumph of good over evil.
Released theatrically on 12 September 2025, the film went on to have its world digital premiere on ZEE5 Global on 14 November 2025, expanding its reach to audiences across geographies. Widely praised for its authenticity, visual detailing, and emotional depth, Dashavatar celebrates Marathi heritage while addressing the tension between tradition and modernity.
A Milestone for Marathi Cinema
Reacting to the film’s global recognition, director Subodh Khanolkar called the moment a proud milestone for Marathi cinema, noting that the journey of Dashavatar reflects the strength of stories rooted in local culture yet resonant on a universal scale.
Strengthening India’s Global Storytelling Voice
Following a successful theatrical run and strong viewership on ZEE5 Global, Dashavatar has been widely appreciated for Dilip Prabhavalkar’s transformative performance and its nuanced blend of folklore, mythology, and social commentary. The film’s entry into the Oscars 2026 contention list marks a defining moment not only for Marathi cinema but also for India’s regional industries gaining increased global visibility.
As international conversations around the film continue to grow ahead of the January 22, 2026 nominations, Dashavatar positions ZEE5 Global at the forefront of taking culturally rooted Indian narratives to audiences worldwide, proving once again that local stories, when told with authenticity, have the power to travel far beyond borders.
