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Dashavatar, a Marathi film directed by Subodh Khanolkar, is the first-ever Marathi film to enter the Oscars 2026 pool of 150 international films being considered for the upcoming Academy Awards. Selected from thousands of submissions worldwide, the Marathi-language entry marks a significant milestone for regional Indian cinema.
Reimagining the timeless legend of Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations, Dashavatar symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of universal balance.
Dashavatar stars an ensemble cast led by Dilip Prabhavalkar, alongside Mahesh Manjrekar, Bharat Jadhav, Abhinay Berde, Priyadarshini Indalkar, Siddharth Menon, Aarti Wadagbalkar, Ravi Kale, and Vijay Kenkre. The film was produced by Ocean Film Company and Ocean Art House.
Released theatrically inSeptember 2025, Dashavatar celebrates Marathi heritage while addressing the tension between tradition and modernity. Set against the evocative landscapes of Maharashtra’s Konkan region, the film draws from the centuries-old Dashavatari folk theatre tradition. The plot follows Babuli Mestri (Dilip Prabhavalkar), a veteran folk performer whose unwavering faith comes alive during a Mahashivratri performance.
Babuli Mestri is devoted to preserving the sacred folk theatre tradition. and continues to perform with unshakable faith despite his failing eyesight. But during one final Mahashivratri performance, the line between performance and divinity begins to blur as heseemingly embodies the fierce Rudra avatar – setting off an emotional and spiritual journey that mirrors the eternal struggle between faith, duty, and destiny.
Dilip Prabhavalkar says of his role, “Portraying Babuli Mestri was one of the most profound experiences of my career — a role that demanded not just performance, but surrender. Under Subodh Khanolkar’s sensitive direction, every moment felt alive with emotion and purpose.
As the narrative unfolds, the boundaries between art and divinity blur, shaping a powerful meditation on belief, morality, and the triumph of good over evil. With intricate set design, traditional costumes, and breathtaking cinematography, the film celebrates devotion, courage, and cultural heritage through a deeply immersive cinematic lens.
“Dashavatar is not just a story for me.” said Director Subodh Kanolkar, “It is a cherished corner of my childhood memories. Since I was a child, I have watched Dashavatari performances in my native village in Konkan, experienced the grandness of nature, and met unique people. I have tried to capture the essence of all of that in this film. Our country’s nature, art forms, and traditions are filled with immense diversity — yet there is a deep connection among them. There is grandeur in our landscapes and folk arts, and there is also vibrant energy. This film celebrates all of that. I wish for it to be seen not only across India but in every corner of the world — and I truly believe it will resonate with everyone.”
Dashavatar is currently streaming exclusively on ZEE5 Global.