New Delhi— Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s film "Homebound" has been officially selected as India’s entry for the 2026 Oscars in the Best International Feature category. This important announcement was made on Friday, September 19, 2025. The news has brought pride and excitement to the Indian film community.
"Homebound" follows the story of two friends, Chandan Kumar and Mohammad Shoaib. Chandan is from a Dalit background, and Shoaib is a Muslim. Both come from a small village in northern India. They grow up dreaming of becoming police officers. Their hope is simple — to find respect and dignity that has always been denied to them by society. The film shows their struggles with tough realities. They face harsh discrimination because of their caste and religion. Despite their hard work, the world around them does not make things easy.
As the two friends prepare for the police recruitment exam, they battle many obstacles. Sometimes, their ambition brings them closer, but at other times, the pressure pushes them apart. The movie asks an important question: Is hard work enough to break the old chains of social inequality, or does society’s bias always win? Another central character, Sudha Bharti, played by Janhvi Kapoor, stands out as a beacon of hope and determination. She, too, has big dreams and fights against the odds.
The story is inspired by a true incident and is based on the New York Times article "A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway" written by Basharat Peer in 2020. Director Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his film "Masaan," wanted to capture the struggles of marginalized groups in modern India.
Ghaywan’s direction brings authenticity and realism. He focuses on caste, communal identity, and the upheaval faced by migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film brings to light the socio-political issues affecting common people in India today.
"Homebound" is produced by Karan Johar under Dharma Productions. The film also has the support of global film legend Martin Scorsese, who is one of its executive producers. The presence of Scorsese has brought international attention to this Indian film.
Cast and Crew:
Ishaan Khatter as Mohammad Shoaib Ali
Vishal Jethwa as Chandan Kumar
Janhvi Kapoor as Sudha Bharti
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan
Produced by Karan Johar, Dharma Productions
Executive Producer: Martin Scorsese
"Homebound" has already made waves outside India. It had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2025, in the Un Certain Regard section. The film received much appreciation, including a standing ovation from the audience.
Following its success in Cannes, the film was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, where it was named second runner-up for the International People’s Choice Award. Critics and viewers have praised the film for its powerful performances and realistic storytelling.
The Film Federation of India, which selects the country’s official entry to the Oscars, picked "Homebound" over many other impressive films. Other strong contenders included "Pushpa 2," Telugu-language film "Kannappa," "Kuberaa" (Tamil and Telugu), and "Tanvi the Great" directed by Anupam Kher. The panel said "Homebound" stood out for its honest representation of modern India and its universal message of hope, struggle, and friendship.
Karan Johar, the producer, said, “We are deeply honoured and humbled that ‘Homebound’ has been selected as India’s official entry. Neeraj Ghaywan’s labour of love is sure to find a home in a million hearts across the world.” Director Ghaywan said, "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".
"Homebound" is not just a story of two boys chasing a dream. It also reflects a wider struggle faced by many in India. Chandan and Shoaib want a government job, believing it will erase the biases they face in society. But as they move closer to their goal, their friendship is tested by jealousy, fear, and the harsh realities outside their control.
Sudha Bharti, played by Janhvi Kapoor, supports them while fighting her own battles. Other notable actors in the film include Reem Shaikh, Harshika Parmar, Shalini Vatsa, and Vijay Vikram Singh.
The film’s major themes include friendship, caste, communal tension, migration, hope, and the struggle for social equality. Neeraj Ghaywan’s direction provides viewers with a window into the lives of common people who rarely get noticed by mainstream cinema. It questions if old prejudices can ever truly be broken and if people from marginalized communities can ever be truly accepted.
"Homebound" is set to release in cinemas across India on September 26, 2025. The film is expected to have a wide release, both in India and in several other countries afterward. The buzz makes people hope it will land a nomination — and maybe a win — at the Oscars.
India has only been nominated three times in the Best International Feature category: for "Mother India," "Salaam Bombay!," and "Lagaan." No Indian film has yet won the award, although Indian talent has won in other categories before. With its critical acclaim, international recognition, and universal story, "Homebound" aims to break that barrier.
The entire team of "Homebound" is excited and hopeful about its journey to the Oscars. The film’s lead actors, Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, have spoken in interviews about how deeply they connected with their roles. They spent time in real villages, learned local dialects, and lived simply to understand their characters better.
Producers and executives at Dharma Productions have expressed hope that the film’s message will resonate around the world. Janhvi Kapoor, who plays Sudha Bharti, said she feels proud to be a part of a film that highlights real issues faced by women and the marginalized in society.
This film stands out because it tells a real story. It does not shy away from difficult topics like caste discrimination, communal violence, and the everyday struggles of migrant workers during a crisis. By choosing "Homebound," India’s Film Federation has sent a message that honest, hard-hitting, and realistic cinema deserves the world’s stage.
With its theatrical release planned for September 26, 2025, the film will be open to the public in just a few days. Expectations are high that it will receive both commercial success and international accolades. The journey to the Oscars, however, is long and challenging, and "Homebound" will compete with entries from many countries.
Nevertheless, the support from critics, audiences, and the film industry might give it a strong chance. The film represents the heart of India in all its complexity and is a step forward for realistic, socially aware stories.
"Homebound" is more than just a film — it is a movement. It is a story of love, friendship, loss, and the unbreakable human spirit. As India cheers for Neeraj Ghaywan and the "Homebound" team, the world will watch a tale that is at once local and universal, rooted in real struggles but full of hope.
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