Film explores themes of poverty and humanity through the lives of two friends from Maharashtra.
Neeraj Ghaywan’s Hindi-language film, ‘Homebound,’ has been chosen to represent India in the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Oscars. The announcement was made by the Film Federation of India (FFI) during an event held in Kolkata. N Chandra, who chaired the Oscar selection jury, confirmed that the decision was unanimous among the panel’s 14 members.
The film stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa as two friends, Shoaib and Chandan, who grapple with poverty and seek to improve their lives amidst the constraints of their social identities. ‘Homebound’ is Ghaywan’s second feature film, following his acclaimed debut, ‘Masaan,’ and it premiered earlier this year at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Produced by Dharma Productions, ‘Homebound’ also features well-known actors Janhvi Kapoor, Shalini Vatsa, and Shreedhar Dubey in supporting roles. The film is inspired by a New York Times article penned by Basharat Peer in 2020. Ghaywan has expressed that the film reflects the idea that people are often victims of their circumstances, emphasizing the importance of empathy and humanity in addressing societal issues.
In a statement regarding the film’s selection, Ghaywan conveyed his honor at being chosen as India’s official Oscar entry. He stated that ‘Homebound’ is rooted in love for the land and its people, encapsulating the essence of a shared home. Representing Indian stories on a global stage is a source of pride for him, for which he is immensely grateful.
Karan Johar, the head of Dharma Productions, echoed Ghaywan’s sentiments, expressing that he feels honored and humbled by the film’s recognition. He believes that Ghaywan’s hard work will resonate with audiences worldwide, finding a place in many hearts.
The FFI jury reviewed a total of 24 films across various languages before selecting ‘Homebound.’ The other films that were shortlisted include titles like ‘I Want to Talk,’ ‘The Bengal Files,’ ‘Pushpa 2,’ and ‘Gandhi Tatha Chettu,’ among others. The jury comprised notable members from the film industry, including Ranbir Pushp and Angelica Monica Bhowmick, who contributed to the selection process.
FFI president Firdausul Hasan expressed gratitude towards the jury for their dedication and congratulated the entire team behind the selected film. In previous years, India has submitted films like Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ and ‘Gully Boy’ for Oscar consideration. The country has seen several titles reach the shortlist over the years, including iconic films such as ‘Mother India’ and ‘Lagaan.’
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is set to take place in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026, where ‘Homebound’ will compete alongside four other international films for the prestigious award. The film’s selection highlights the ongoing contributions of Indian cinema to the global film landscape.
