India's Oscar 2027 Submission Shortlist Narrows to Three Films

The Film Federation of India has confirmed that its committee has narrowed the shortlist for India’s official Best International Feature submission to the 2027 Academy Awards down to three films.

The Shortlist

While the committee has not released an official ranking, trade sources indicate that Dhurandhar is considered a strong frontrunner given its critical reception and its grounded, non-franchise storytelling — qualities Oscar voters have historically responded to from Indian submissions.

Two smaller, festival-circuit titles round out the shortlist, both of which have already picked up recognition at international film festivals earlier this year.

The Selection Process

The Film Federation’s selection committee is expected to announce its final choice in the coming weeks. The process has drawn scrutiny in past years over whether commercially successful films or smaller festival darlings should represent the country, a debate that is likely to resurface with this year’s list.

Why It Matters

An Oscar submission carries significant weight for a film’s international distribution and awards-season visibility, and studios are known to lobby hard for their titles to be chosen. Whichever film is selected will need to clear the Academy’s own shortlist before nominations are announced.