Director Gajendra Ahire Paro – The untold story of bride slavery has been officially included in the Oscar eligibility list for the 98th Academy Awards released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). The film now joins a select group of international titles that meet the Academy’s eligibility criteria and are eligible for consideration in all categories in the 2026 awards cycle – an important milestone in its global journey.

Produced by filmmaker and social activist Trupti Bhoir, Paro is a socially driven drama that explores the systemic issue of bride trafficking. The film stars Taha Shah Badusha alongside Trupti Bhoir and Govind Namdev and has garnered attention on international platforms and film circuits for its sensitive, issue-based story.

Although eligibility is not equivalent to nomination, it represents an important step in the international awards process. Commenting on the development, Taha Shah Badusha said, “I am extremely honored by this Paro Has been listed on the Oscar eligibility list. This film is more than an introduction – it is the voice of the silenced and a story that deserves to be seen and heard beyond borders. I am grateful to the entire team and everyone who has faith in this journey. Hopefully this recognition will open the door to meaningful cinema that inspires empathy, awareness and change.”

Oscar eligibility recognition further strengthens this ParoIts position in the global independent cinema sector highlights the growing international visibility of socially conscious Indian storytelling.

except Paro, Kantara: Chapter 1 And Mahavatar Narasimha, and Anupam Kher’s Tanvi The Great have joined the Academy’s list of 201 films eligible for the Best Picture Oscar.

Neeraj Ghaywan’s homebound Has been sent as India’s official entry for the Oscars.