Homebound is one of the most talked‑about Indian films of 2025 and has now taken a major step toward the Oscars—the most prestigious awards in global cinema.
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions with legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese as executive producer, the film has captured international attention through film festivals and awards buzz.
What Homebound Is About
Homebound tells the emotional story of two childhood friends, Shoaib (played by Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (played by Vishal Jethwa), who come from a small North Indian village and dream of becoming police officers to earn respect and dignity in society.
Set against the backdrop of societal discrimination, caste and religious divides, and the broader economic and emotional struggles exacerbated by the COVID‑19 pandemic, the film follows their journey of hope, hardship and resilience.
The movie also features Janhvi Kapoor in an important supporting role, and its storyline is inspired by a New York Times article about real migrant workers’ experiences during the pandemic.
Inspiration:
The film is inspired by the original story ‘Taking Amrit Home’ by Kashmiri journalist Basharat Peer, published in The New York Times.
Festival Success & Critical Acclaim
Before aiming for the Oscars, Homebound earned wide acclaim on the international festival circuit:
- Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival (Un Certain Regard)—where it reportedly received a nine‑minute standing ovation after its screening.
- Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025—the film was the second runner‑up for the International People’s Choice Award, signalling strong audience support.
- It was also screened at other international events, such as the Melbourne International Film Festival.
These global reactions helped position Homebound as a strong contender on the world cinema stage — not just an Indian box office film.
Homebound as India’s Official Oscar Entry
In September 2025, the Film Federation of India selected Homebound as India’s official submission for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
This was a proud moment for Indian cinema, chosen from over 24 films across languages and genres — including mainstream and indie contenders.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan called the selection “humbling and a matter of pride”, while producer Karan Johar said the film was “sure to find a home in a million hearts”.
Oscars 2026 Shortlist & Next Steps
In December 2025, Homebound achieved another historic milestone:
It was shortlisted as one of the top 15 films globally for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026).
This shortlist was announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, narrowing down the more than 80 eligible films from around the world to a smaller group of serious contenders.
Unlike many film awards, the Oscars go through multiple rounds of voting:
- Shortlist (Top 15): The current stage where Homebound sits.
- Final Nominations (Top 5): Expected to be officially announced on January 22, 2026.
- Award Ceremony: Set for March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.
Being on the shortlist does not guarantee a nomination, but it means Homebound has officially entered the Oscar race and is being seriously considered by Academy members worldwide.
Why This Matters
Homebound reaching this stage is significant for several reasons:
Indian Cinema Presence
It marks one of the very few Indian films in Oscars history to make the shortlist in the International Feature category — joining classics like Mother India, Lagaan and Salaam Bombay! in global recognition.
Global Audience Reach
Thanks to its festival success and storytelling rooted in real social themes, Homebound has resonated with international critics and audiences, expanding awareness beyond Indian borders.
Social Relevance
The film’s focus on friendship, caste and identity, and the struggles of ordinary people amid national challenges makes it not just a story for entertainment but one with cultural impact and emotional depth — qualities that often appeal to Oscar voters.
What’s Next for Homebound
January 22, 2026 is the next big date, when the final Oscar nominations will be revealed. If Homebound makes it into the final list of 5 Best International Feature Film nominees, it will go on to compete for the prestigious Oscar statuette—an achievement that would bring even greater pride to Indian cinema. Read about “Eko”, a Malayalam movie featuring powerful performances by its lead cast, also proving Malayalam cinema is on fire
In Summary
- Homebound is India’s official entry for the Oscars 2026 (Best International Feature Film).
- It premiered at Cannes and earned global festival attention, including success in Toronto.
- The film is now shortlisted among the top 15 films worldwide for the Oscars.
- Final nominations will be announced on January 22, 2026 — keeping excitement high among fans and critics alike.