'Ramayana' will ring across the world: Ranbir Kapoor's film included in the Oscar race, will Gondhal's claim be weakened?

Ranbir Kapoor starrer film ‘Ramayana: Part 1’ now 99th Academy Awards That means Oscars is trying to join the race of 2027. The makers of the film have submitted it for consideration at the Oscars.

Its news came out on 11 November, while the last date for application in General Entry category is 12 November 2026. On the other hand, Marathi film ‘Gondhal’ as India’s official entry. Best International Feature Film Has already been sent to the category.

In such a situation, questions are being raised whether Ramayana’s entry into the Oscars will weaken the claim of Ghandal? Can Ramayan face problems due to last minute submission? In which categories can the film contend and when will the Oscar nomination be decided?

Impact of Ramayana going to Oscars on confusion?

No, the entry path of both the films is different. Marathi film ‘Gondhal’ Film Federation of India (FFI) Has been selected as India’s official entry. This Best International Feature Film Sent in category.

At the same time, ‘Ramayana: Part 1’, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, has been independently submitted by the makers for consideration at the Oscars. This means that Ramayana is not trying to challenge India’s official entry but is trying to make its place in another category.

According to Oscar rules, apart from the official International Feature Film entry of a country, films from other countries can also apply in the General Entry category. For this they Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) Eligibility conditions have to be fulfilled. Therefore, both Ramayan and Gondhal have a chance to reach the Oscars. The entry of one film does not close the way for another film.

Last date to send films to Oscars?

Different deadlines were set for different categories for the 99th Oscars. in these Documentary, Short Film, International Feature Film And Music Categories like.

According to the Academy’s official schedule:

• The last date for International Feature Film was 30 September 2026.
• The deadline for the original song was 14 October 2026.
• The deadline for the original score was 4 November 2026.
• The last deadline for General Entry, Animated Feature and Best Picture is 12 November 2026.

In such a situation, the submission of Ramayana has come out just before the last General Entry deadline. The deadline to submit applications is November 12 at 5 pm (Pacific Time). However, simply applying does not guarantee eligibility for an Oscar. The film will also have to fulfill all the conditions of the respective category.

Last minute submission, will it meet the rules?

Its decision will be based on the theatrical performance of the film and other eligibility conditions. The Academy has made some important rules for General Entry.

5 conditions necessary for the film:

1. The qualifying theatrical release of the film must be between January 1 and December 31, 2026.
2. The film must be released commercially in theaters in one of six designated metro areas in the United States.
3. The film must be screened in the same theater for at least 7 consecutive days.
4. There should be at least 3 public shows every day.
5. There should be at least one show every day starting between 6 pm to 10 pm.

In six designated areas of America Los Angeles County, New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth And Atlanta Are included. Ramayan is released in theaters on 5 November 2026. But it is important to understand one important thing here. Releasing in India does not in itself fulfill the theatrical criteria for an Oscar. The film will also have to be released in the designated areas of America as per the prescribed rules.

According to Academy rules, if the qualifying theatrical release of the film starts after November 12, the makers will have to submit documents to the theater by the last date of application to prove that the film will meet the prescribed conditions. Therefore, submission before the last day is not in itself a reason for disqualification. The actual eligibility of Ramayan will depend on its US theatrical performance and documentation.

In which categories can Ramayana stake claim?

Considering the big budget, production and technical work of the film, the makers may try to apply in some major categories. However, official information about which categories have actually been applied for has not been revealed.

Possible categories are:

• Best Picture: Contending to be included in the best films of the year. For this, apart from the general theatrical conditions, rules related to additional releases and inclusion standards will also have to be fulfilled.
• Best Visual Effects: For the VFX and computer graphics used in the film.
• Best Cinematography: For camera work, lighting and visual presentation.
• Best Production Design: For creating the sets, locations and entire visual world of the film.
• Best Costume Design: For the artist’s clothing and costume design.
• Best Original Score: For background music composed for the film. However, its submission deadline has ended on November 4.
• Best Original Song: For a song composed specifically for the film. Its deadline has also ended on 14th October.

Therefore, it is no longer possible to apply in all categories. The actual claim will be known only after it is clear in which categories the makers have applied on time.

What are the steps to be followed after submission?

Even after a film is submitted to the Oscars, it has to go through many stages. First the Academy checks the film’s eligibility and the rules of the respective category. After this the process of voting and shortlisting takes place.

Important dates for the 99th Oscars are as follows:

• 15 December 2026: Announcement of Oscar Shortlist.
• 11 January 2027: Voting for nominations begins.
• 15 January 2027: Nomination voting ends.
• 21 January 2027: Announcement of Oscar Nominations.
• March 14, 2027: 99th Oscar Awards ceremony held.

That means the makers of Ramayana have submitted the film, but it does not mean that the film has got the nomination. First the film has to fulfill the eligibility conditions. After this, the concerned category will have to go through the voting and selection process.

Now it remains to be seen how far Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi starrer ‘Ramayana: Part 1’ can reach in the Oscar race and how India’s official entry ‘Gondhal’ performs in its category.