Mumbai Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ Chosen as India’s Official Entry for Oscars 2026
Mumbai filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s latest film, Homebound, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
Producer Karan Johar took to Instagram on Friday evening to express his gratitude to the Film Federation of India (FFI) for choosing the film.
“One of the ‘pinch me’ moments that I will NEVER forget! Extremely honoured, humbled, and ecstatic that our film #Homebound is selected as India’s official entry for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards! Our deepest gratitude to the @filmfederationofindia for believing in the story, in us, and what we can bring to the world stage for Indian cinema. Heartiest congratulations to the entire team,” Karan Johar wrote.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan also shared his excitement, saying, “I’m deeply honoured that Homebound has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars. Rooted in the love for our land and our people, it carries the essence of the home we all share. To take our stories to the world and represent India at one of the biggest global stages for cinema is both humbling and a matter of pride, and for this I’m extremely grateful.”
Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, Homebound recently screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it secured the second runner-up position for the prestigious International People’s Choice Award. In May, the film also received a nine-minute standing ovation at Cannes 2025.
Homebound follows the journey of two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who aspire to join the police force—a job that promises the dignity they have long been denied. But as they draw closer to their dream, growing desperation threatens their bond.
Describing the film as “a deeply personal story about friendship, dignity, and survival,” Neeraj Ghaywan added, “It’s about people who are often unseen and the quiet strength they carry in a world that rarely pauses for them. I hope the film helps us look closer—with empathy—and see what we’ve been conditioned to ignore.”
Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese serves as an executive producer on the film, which is scheduled to release in Indian theatres on September 26.
