Even before releasing in India, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound has been officially selected as our country’s entry for the 2026 Academy Awards popularly known as Oscars. The film has been choosen in Best International Film category and would be compete with entries from 100 other countries. Homebound features Ishaan Khatter, Jahnvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa in key roles.
Homebound received global acclaim from audiences and critics when it was premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2025 where it got a standing ovation from the viewers for nearly nine minutes. The film backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions is based on New York Times article titled ‘Taking Amrit Home’. It is a critical take on the harsh realities of caste and religious biases in India and the story revolves around two friends who fight against the sensitive issue. The climax touches upon the infamous migrant exodus during the COVID pandemic.
The Film Federation of India, with a jury of experts from different film industries, selected Homebound after going through several entries. Three Indian films have been nominated in this category over the years – Mother India, Salaam Bombay and Lagaan. But, none of them managed to bring the coveted Black Lady back home. India’s only wins at the Oscars have come in the open categories, including two for RRR in 2023.
Jahnvi Kapoor plays the role of a friend to both Ishaan and Vishal. The film is slated for release on September 26th in India.
