Marathi cinema has achieved a historic milestone on the global stage, with Dashavatar becoming the first-ever Marathi-language film to enter the Oscars 2026 contention list. The achievement marks a defining moment not only for Marathi cinema but also for India’s regional film industries, which are increasingly finding resonance with international audiences.
Directed by Subodh Khanolkar, Dashavatar has been officially made available on the Academy Screening Room, placing it among a select group of international films being considered for the upcoming Academy Awards. Out of more than 150 films in contention, Dashavatar stands as the sole Marathi-language entry, underscoring its significance as a cultural and cinematic breakthrough.
The film is currently streaming exclusively on ZEE5 Global, which has played a pivotal role in amplifying its reach beyond India.
A Powerful Ensemble and Rooted Storytelling
Dashavatar features an acclaimed ensemble cast led by veteran actor Dilip Prabhavalkar, whose performance has been widely described as transformative. The cast also includes Mahesh Manjrekar, Bharat Jadhav, Abhinay Berde, Priyadarshini Indalkar, Siddharth Menon, Aarti Wadagbalkar, Ravi Kale, and Vijay Kenkre, each contributing to the film’s emotional and narrative depth.
Set against the evocative landscapes of Maharashtra’s Konkan region, the film draws inspiration from the centuries-old Dashavatari folk theatre tradition, a ritualistic performance form deeply embedded in the region’s cultural fabric.
At the heart of the story is Babuli Mestri, an ageing folk performer whose unshakeable faith takes centre stage during a Mahashivratri performance. As the narrative unfolds, the boundaries between performance and divinity begin to blur, transforming the stage into a space where belief, morality, and destiny collide.
Through Babuli’s journey, Dashavatar explores themes of faith, devotion, ethical struggle, and the eternal conflict between good and evil, offering a meditation that is both spiritual and deeply human.
Tradition Meets Universality
What sets Dashavatar apart is its ability to remain deeply rooted in local culture while speaking to universal truths. The film’s use of folklore and mythology does not remain confined to symbolism; instead, it becomes a lens through which contemporary questions about tradition, change, and belief are examined.
Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its authentic portrayal of folk traditions, meticulous visual detailing, and restrained yet powerful storytelling. Its visual language pays homage to rural Maharashtra while maintaining a cinematic sensibility that resonates across cultures.
Released theatrically on 12 September 2025, Dashavatar found appreciation during its big-screen run before making its world digital premiere on ZEE5 Global on 14 November 2025, significantly expanding its international footprint.
A Proud Moment for Marathi Cinema
Reacting to the film’s inclusion in the Oscars contention list, director Subodh Khanolkar described the moment as a deeply emotional and proud achievement.
“This recognition is not just for Dashavatar, but for Marathi cinema as a whole,” Khanolkar said. “It proves that stories rooted in our soil, culture, and traditions can find a place on the world stage when told with honesty and conviction.”
Industry observers see the film’s success as a validation of regional storytelling at a time when global audiences are increasingly open to narratives beyond mainstream cinema.
Strengthening India’s Global Storytelling Voice
Following strong theatrical reception and sustained viewership on ZEE5 Global, Dashavatar has been widely lauded for Dilip Prabhavalkar’s commanding performance and its nuanced fusion of folklore, mythology, and social commentary.
The film’s presence in the Oscars 2026 contention list arrives at a moment when Indian regional cinema is steadily gaining international visibility, challenging long-held assumptions that only big-budget productions can travel globally.
As conversations around Dashavatar continue to grow ahead of the Academy Awards nominations on January 22, 2026, the film stands as a testament to the power of culturally grounded storytelling.
For ZEE5 Global, the milestone reinforces its role in taking authentic Indian narratives to audiences worldwide, demonstrating that when local stories are told with sincerity and artistic integrity, they possess the ability to transcend language, geography, and borders.
