Mahavatar Narsimha: From Rs.300 Cr Club to the Oscars; Hombale's epic officially enters the Academy Awards race
After shattering every box office record for Indian animation, the blockbuster prequel is now eyeing global glory at the Oscars 2026.In what is turning out to be a historic year for Indian cinema, ‘Mahavatar Narsimha’ has officially appeared on the list of films eligible for consideration in the Best Animated Feature category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026). Having already conquered the domestic box office with a historic run, the film now finds itself on the global stage, listed alongside international heavyweights like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, The Bad Guys 2, and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc.
Produced by the powerhouse Hombale Films (makers of KGF and Kantara), Mahavatar Narsimha was released as an animated period action drama serving as a prequel to the studio’s cinematic universe. The film chronicled the terrifying origins of Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion avatar of Lord Vishnu, and his battle against Hiranyakashipu.
Departing from the colorful, child-friendly style of previous Indian animations, the film delivered a dark, gritty, and visually immersive 3D experience. This mature approach resonated massively with audiences, turning it into a "Pan-India" theatrical event rather than just a niche animated release.
Backed by producer Vijay Kiragandur, the magnum opus was helmed by director Ashwin Kumar, who spent years developing the film's distinct visual language. The visuals were brought to life by the animation studio Klever Kid, utilizing cutting-edge motion capture technology that set a new benchmark for Indian production quality. The film was celebrated not just for its story, but for proving that Indian studios can deliver world-class animation.
By securing its place on the official eligibility list, the film has successfully navigated the Academy’s stringent requirements, a feat that included completing a mandatory qualifying theatrical run in Los Angeles. The stakes are now incredibly high as the movie vies for a coveted nomination spot against roughly 35 to 40 films worldwide. This marks a significant departure from previous years where Indian entries were primarily viewed through the lens of the International Feature category; instead, Mahavatar Narsimha, bolstered by its massive commercial success, is competing directly in the animation big league against global titans from Disney, Pixar, and the Japanese Anime industry.
Before entering the Oscar race, Mahavatar Narsimha rewrote the history books at the box office. For decades, the commercial ceiling for the genre was defined by the 2005 classic Hanuman, which was the first Indian animated movie to achieve a double-digit collection (grossing over ₹10 crore). However, Mahavatar Narsimha has obliterated that long-standing benchmark, becoming the first Indian animated film in history to cross the elusive ₹100 crore mark. By doing so, it has finally ended the industry's decades-long wait for a true mega-blockbuster, proving that homegrown animation can deliver numbers rivaling mainstream live-action cinema.
The film has officially ended its run as the All-Time Highest-Grossing Indian Animated Film.
India Net Collection: ₹ 250.29 Cr
India Gross Collection: ₹ 297.74 Cr
Overseas Collection: ₹ 28 Cr
Total Worldwide Collection: ₹ 325.74 Cr
From winning the hearts of millions in India to competing for the ultimate cinematic honor, Mahavatar Narsimha has already won the war for Indian animation. As the Academy voters begin their screening process, one thing is certain: Hombale Films hasn't just made a movie; they have created a movement. Whether it brings home the golden statuette or not, by crossing the ₹300 crore mark and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with global giants, it has undeniably opened the floodgates for Indian storytellers to dream bigger than ever before.
Tollywood
