The Hindi-language film Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been officially selected as India’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards in 2026. The decision, announced by the Film Federation of India, came after careful consideration of 24 films from across different languages. The 14-member selection committee, composed of producers, directors, writers, editors, and journalists, unanimously chose Homebound for its compelling story and cinematic merit.
Produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, the film features performances by Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. Inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home,” the story portrays the childhood friendship of a Muslim and a Dalit boy from North India. Both aspire to secure police jobs as a means to gain dignity and overcome the societal constraints imposed by their surnames. The film highlights themes of caste discrimination, societal pressure, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marginalized communities.
Homebound premiered in the Un Certain Regard category at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, receiving a nine-minute standing ovation. It also participated in the Toronto International Film Festival, where it was well received by global audiences. The selection for India’s Oscars submission marks a significant milestone in Ghaywan’s filmmaking journey, following his acclaimed debut with Masaan.
The director expressed his excitement on social media, stating, “OMG!!! This is Real!!” The committee chairperson noted that every film considered was strong, but Homebound stood out for its storytelling, social relevance, and artistic vision. Competing films included The Bengal Files, Pushpa 2, The Pyre, Kesari, Superboys of Malegaon, and Veera Chandrahasa.
With its upcoming theatrical release and anticipated OTT streaming, Homebound is expected to reach both national and international audiences, reinforcing India’s presence on the global cinematic stage. The film’s selection reflects not only its artistic achievement but also its powerful narrative on friendship, social equity, and resilience.
