An independent Tamil film Gevi, marking the feature directorial debut of Tamil Dhayalan, with Jagan Jaya Surya serving as producer and cinematographer, has officially entered the Oscars 2026 race. Voting for Oscar nominations will take place from January 12 to January 16, 2026, with the nominations announced on January 22.

“This isn’t just a movie; it’s a call for justice from a community whose only crime is living on the edge of nowhere without any roads… This film is a tribute to the unyielding spirit of ordinary people who, when pushed to the edge by both nature and the state, choose to stand together,” said Director, Tamil Dhayalan. 

Released in 2025, Gevi is an Indian Tamil-language survival action drama inspired by real-life events. Set in the remote mountains near Kodaikanal, surrounded by the Western Ghats, the film follows a one-night crisis in which a community must come together to fight bureaucracy and authority to save a pregnant woman.

The story follows Malaiyan and Mandharai, a young couple living peacefully in an isolated hill village. Natural disasters and the lack of medical access create conflict, and as Mandharai goes into labor, the village must unite to overcome police obstruction, political indifference, and natural barriers.

In addition to its gripping story, Gevi shines through its visual and musical brilliance. Jagan Jaya Surya’s cinematography vividly captures both the raw beauty and latent danger of the Western Ghats, transforming mist-covered hills and rugged terrain into living characters within the film.

Equally remarkable is the film’s musical dimension. Bala Subramanian’s score, paired with Vairamuthu’s evocative lyrics, elevates the emotional resonance of the story. This is further enhanced by outstanding performances from Sheela Rajkumar and Aadhavan.

Now that Gevi has officially entered the Oscars 2026 race, it qualifies under the General Entry categories, opening the door to eligibility across multiple categories.

“As the producer of Gevi, I believe the film possesses the scale, craft, and emotional resonance that align strongly with the Academy’s Best Picture sensibilities. The film’s reception to date has reinforced our confidence that Gevi can compete meaningfully at the highest level, and we are now seeking to engage in a focused, well-structured awards campaign,” said Producer Jagan Jaya Surya. 

Sumathy Ramakrishnan, also known as Sumathy Ram, has been appointed Executive Producer and Director of Promotion and Distribution for Gevi, produced by Artuptriangles Film Kampany Beginning January 12, 2026, Sumathy, director of SunMoonStars Film Studio and  StarsMusicStudio, and a filmmaker and music producer based in Houston, Texas, USA, will manage the film’s worldwide campaign, with a particular focus on the United States. This appointment confirms a strategic partnership to promote Gevi in the U.S. and internationally.

As Sumathy Ram states, “Gevi is a deeply moving and urgent film that speaks to the power of community and compassion. What struck me most was its honesty, the way it tells a rooted, local story that carries a universal human experience. I am honored to come on board as Executive Producer and to lead the promotion and distribution efforts for Gevi, particularly in the United States and international markets. This film deserves to be seen, discussed, and recognized on the global stage.”

Jagan expressed his gratitude for Sumathy’s enthusiastic and committed involvement in the Gevi project in her role as Executive Producer and Promotion and Distribution Director.

By positioning Gevi (A Descent into the Unseen: The Heart of Gevi, based on true events) on the global stage of the 98th Academy Awards, the film team aims to amplify the voices of those who remain unseen within modern systems. Sumathy shares the director’s view that carrying a woman for hours to reach a hospital is both a medical emergency and a human rights issue that demands attention. She is committed to transforming this awareness into action and hopes to help make a hospital in Vellagavi village a reality in the near future.

With strict theatrical requirements, complex distribution rules, and increased competition, it has become increasingly difficult for international films to gain visibility in the United States. This makes Gevi’s eligibility for the Oscars all the more groundbreaking, serving as a profound reminder that cinema, rooted in art, truth, and compassion, has no borders. Through storytelling, audiences worldwide can witness humanity’s ability to overcome adversity. “May this be a stark reminder of what we can achieve together, what we can give, and what we can create as a community to bring light to today’s world,” according to the promoters.

Related posts:

US based Indian Film-maker Sumathy Ram Earns Acclaim at the 2025 Angel Film Awards in Monaco Five films that Had a Triumphant Tryst with Destiny How ImagineTamil Makes Tamil Learning Simple, Fun, and Effective for Kids and Beginners South Asian Herald’s Entertainment Editor Serves on Oscar Jury as India Selects Homebound for Oscars 2026