Some news doesn’t “break.” It beats—like a dhol you hear from two lanes away, pulling you toward the crowd before you even know why. That’s what’s happening with Dashavatar right now.
You’ve probably seen the line “Dashavatar Marathi Movie nominated for Oscar” floating around. Here’s the truth, clean and clear: Dashavatar has become the first-ever Marathi film to enter the Oscars 2026 Contention List—which means it’s officially in the Academy Awards race, but it is not a final nominee yet. Still historic. Still huge.
And the best part? You can watch the film right where your watchlist already lives—on ZEE5. Start with the title, then keep exploring Movies when you want more stories that feel big, lived-in, and made for long nights.
Dashavatar Marathi Movie Nominated For Oscar: What “Contention List” Really Means
Let’s be honest—Oscar language can feel like paperwork.
So here’s the simplest version: the contention list is the eligible pool. Films enter, meet the criteria, and become part of what Academy members can consider. After that comes viewing, voting, shortlists (in some categories), and then the final nominations announcement.
So no, Dashavatar isn’t officially “nominated” yet.
But yes—it has entered the Oscars 2026 contention list, and that alone makes it a first for Marathi cinema.
Why This Moment Feels Different For Marathi Cinema
Marathi films have always had craft. Soul. That specific earthy honesty—like wet मिट्टी after the first rains.
What they don’t always get is the global spotlight.
That’s why this milestone lands with weight. Reports calling Dashavatar the first Marathi film to reach this Oscar contention stage aren’t just hype—they reflect a real step into the Academy’s ecosystem.
And if you grew up watching Marathi theatre, folk forms, or even just the magic of local storytelling—this one feels personal. Like your hometown voice just got a bigger mic.
Dashavatar: Quick Facts Before You Hit Play
Here’s what we can verify across official listings and reputed databases:
Dashavatar is a Marathi suspense thriller, directed (and written) by Subodh Khanolkar. It was released in theatres in India on 12 September 2025.
It began streaming on ZEE5 on 14 November 2025. Runtime: 155 minutes (2h 35m).
Now the cast—because yes, the faces matter:
The film stars Dilip Prabhavalkar, with Mahesh Manjrekar, Bharat Jadhav, Sidharth Menon, Abhinay Berde, and Priyadarshini Indalkar among the leads.
What Dashavatar Feels Like On Screen
This isn’t a thriller that screams from scene one.
It builds.
Think Konkan nights. Sticky air. Drumbeats from a distance. A stage lit by harsh bulbs and stubborn faith. The kind of place where tradition doesn’t sit quietly in museums—it walks around in costume, sweats under makeup, and asks for respect.
At the centre is Babuli Mestri (Dilip Prabhavalkar), a veteran Dashavatari performer. The film follows his world as performance and reality begin to blur—myth rubbing shoulders with modern conflict until you can’t tell what’s acting and what’s truth anymore.
And that’s the hook.
Not just “who did what.”
But what happens when heritage itself feels under attack?
Why It’s A Must-Watch on ZEE5 Right Now
Because Dashavatar hits two cravings at once.
It gives you the thrill—unease, tension, that creeping “something is wrong” feeling.
And it gives you culture—not as decoration, but as the spine of the story.
That mix is rare. And when a film with such rooted storytelling enters an Oscars contention conversation, it signals something bigger: regional stories can travel far without changing their accent.
If you love suspense, don’t stop here—go straight into Thriller movies after Dashavatar. Same pulse, different worlds.
How To Watch Dashavatar On ZEE5 And See If It Earned The Oscars 2026 Contention Buzz
Open Dashavatar and watch it like you’d watch a folk performance: lights low, volume up. If you want to know why it’s the first Marathi film to enter the Oscars 2026 contention list, don’t multitask—sit with it properly. For yourself, quietly.
Notice how Dilip Prabhavalkar holds the frame without shouting, and how Mahesh Manjrekar brings lived-in authority to every stare. The Konkan flavour, the drums, the masks, the dread—everything stacks. By the credits, the “Oscar buzz” stops sounding like hype.
How To Keep The Marathi Binge Going After Dashavatar
One film ends, the craving doesn’t.
So when you’re ready for your next watch—whether it’s grounded drama, folk-flavoured storytelling, or pure entertainment—browse Marathi movies or check new movies for the latest drops.
Different nights. Different moods. Same habit: “just one more.”
A First For Marathi Cinema, A Big Win For Storytelling
So yes—people will keep typing “Dashavatar Marathi Movie nominated for Oscar.”
But the accurate headline you can stand by is even better: Dashavatar is the first Marathi film to enter the Oscars 2026 contention list.
It’s a milestone. A statement. And honestly, a lovely reminder that the most local stories can still feel global—when they’re told with conviction.
Now go watch it on ZEE5. Lights low. Volume up. Let the drums start.
Bio of Author: Gayatri Tiwari is an experienced digital strategist and entertainment writer, bringing 20+ years of content expertise to one of India’s largest OTT platforms. She blends industry insight with a passion for cinema to deliver engaging, trustworthy perspectives on movies, TV shows and web series.
