Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of Ramayana has officially entered the race for the 99th Academy Awards. The makers have reportedly submitted the first part of the two-part epic for consideration, a move that comes on the heels of the film's phenomenal global box office performance.
Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana, the film has achieved a staggering ₹660 crore in its opening week worldwide, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter India. This impressive commercial success has positioned Ramayana among the top-performing theatrical releases globally, trailing only the Japanese kaiju epic Godzilla Minus Zero.
Oscar Eligibility and India's Official Entry
While Ramayana has been submitted independently for the Academy Awards, it is crucial to note that it is not India's official entry for the International Feature Film category. That distinction belongs to the Marathi film Gondhal this year. However, films can pursue Oscar consideration independently if they meet the Academy's stringent eligibility rules.
To qualify for the general awards categories, a feature film must have had a theatrical release in at least one of six designated US metropolitan areas: Los Angeles County, New York City, the Bay Area, Chicago, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Atlanta. This release must span a minimum of seven consecutive days in the same commercial cinema, featuring at least three screenings daily, with one screening commencing between 6 pm and 10 pm. All screenings must be open to the public for paid admission.
Global Reception and Box Office Triumph
Ramayana, globally distributed by Sony Theatrical Pictures and in India by Dharma Productions, has seen a massive release across approximately 10,000 screens in over 130 countries, translated into 17 dubbed languages. The film's premiere in Los Angeles on October 27 garnered significant praise, setting the stage for its record-breaking run.
Internationally, the film topped the UK-Ireland box office charts during its opening weekend and has maintained strong performance in North America, Europe, and other territories. In India, the film recorded an estimated net collection of ₹107.50 crore on its first Monday alone, underscoring its widespread appeal and commercial dominance.
The submission for the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 14, 2027, in Los Angeles, marks another significant milestone for Nitesh Tiwari and the entire team behind Ramayana, celebrating both critical acclaim and unprecedented box office success.