Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial venture, ‘Homebound’, has officially been shortlisted for the International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, moving to the next round of voting for the coveted Oscars 2026. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, is among the 15 titles that have become eligible for final nominations in the category.
According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), a total of 86 countries and regions submitted films for consideration in the International Feature Film category. In the next phase, Academy members from all branches who opt in for participation must view all 15 shortlisted films to cast their votes.
‘Homebound’ joins films from around the world, including Argentina’s ‘Belen’, Brazil’s ‘The Secret Agent’, France’s ‘It Was Just an Accident’, and Germany’s ‘Sound of Falling’, reflecting a diverse and competitive pool of international cinema. Dharma Productions, the film’s production house, shared the exciting news on Instagram, expressing gratitude for global support and appreciation.
The story follows childhood friends Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), whose shared ambition to join the police force shapes their lives and futures. Janhvi Kapoor adds emotional nuance to the narrative, which explores themes of friendship, duty, and the societal pressures faced by young Indians today.
‘Homebound’ has already garnered critical acclaim and recognition at international film festivals. It premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2025 and later screened at TIFF, securing the Second Runner-Up spot for the International Audience Choice Award, signaling strong audience and critical appreciation.
The film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and Apoorva Mehta, with co-producers Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier, while Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar serve as executive producers. With its official shortlist status, ‘Homebound’ now moves closer to potentially securing India’s next Oscar nomination, marking a proud milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage.
