Hyderabad, India – Following the historic win of “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR” at the 95th Academy Awards, the Indian film industry has witnessed a surge in interest and anticipation for the annual awards ceremony. The Film Federation of India (FFI) is set to announce its official entry for the 97th Academy Awards today, with three Telugu films in contention.

Prabhas’ highly anticipated fantasy drama, “Kalki 2898 AD,” is one of the frontrunners for the coveted spot. The film’s grand scale, visual effects, and star-studded cast have garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. Another contender is Payal Rajput’s “Mangalavaaram,” which has surprised many with its inclusion in the list. The film’s unique premise and strong performances have made it a potential dark horse.

Additionally, the superhero flick “Hanu-Man” is also being considered. The film’s commercial success and positive reviews have positioned it as a strong contender. The FFI’s decision will be closely watched by film enthusiasts across India, as the Telugu film industry aims to replicate the success of “RRR” at the prestigious awards ceremony.

The other films in contention for the official entry include “Thangalan,” “Vaazhai,” “Maharaja,” “Kottukkali,” “Jamaa,” and “Jigarthanda 2” from Tamil; “Swaragandharva Sudir Pahadke,” “Ghath,” and “Gharat Ganapati” from Maharashtra; and the Hindi films “Kill,” “Sam Bhadur,” “Article 370,” “Goodluck,” “Joram,” “Animal,” “Shrikanth,” “Veer Savarkar,” “Laapaata Ladies,” and “Chandu Champion.”

The Academy Awards will be held on March 2, 2025, and the Indian film industry will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of the official entry and hoping for another historic win.