Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Selected as India’s Official Entry to Oscars 2026

In a proud moment for Indian cinema, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Hindi film Homebound has been officially selected as India’s entry to the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The announcement was made at a press conference in Kolkata by the chairperson of the selection committee, veteran filmmaker N. Chandra, who praised the film for its emotional depth and cultural relevance. The selection was made unanimously by a 12-member jury comprising industry professionals — including producers, directors, writers, and journalists — after reviewing 24 strong contenders from various Indian languages.

A Story of Friendship, Identity, and Loss

Homebound is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home”, which explores themes of friendship, caste, and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Set against the backdrop of rural India, the film follows the journey of a Muslim and a Dalit childhood friend, both aspiring for dignity through a job in the police force. Their bond and shared dreams are tested by caste realities, communal identity, and an unexpected tragedy.

The film was well received at major international festivals

• Premiered at Cannes 2025 in the Un Certain Regard section
• Received a nine-minute standing ovation
• Second runner-up at Toronto International Film Festival in the People’s Choice category
• Won Best Film and Best Director at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM)

A Powerful Team Behind the Project

• Homebound is jointly produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, and stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in pivotal roles. What makes the film even more notable is the involvement of legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese as Executive Producer.
• Scorsese, who mentored the team during script development and post-production, praised Ghaywan’s work as a “significant contribution to Indian cinema.” He commended the storytelling, cultural depth, and emotional integrity of the film, saying it reflected the spirit of resilience and humanity.

A Win for Indian Independent Cinema

• This selection marks another milestone in the journey of director Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his critically acclaimed debut Masaan (2015). His storytelling continues to highlight social hierarchies, marginalised voices, and human connections, making Homebound a fitting representative of new-age Indian cinema.
• The recognition by the Oscar committee reflects the growing global appreciation for Indian films that go beyond formulaic narratives, focusing instead on nuanced, grounded, and culturally rich stories.

India and the Oscars: A Brief Overview

India has had notable moments at the Oscars, especially in categories like Best Original Song, Sound, and Costume, with wins for films like Slumdog Millionaire and RRR. However, in the Best International Feature Film category,

Only three Indian films have received nominations:

• Mother India (1957) by Mehboob Khan
• Salaam Bombay! (1988) by Mira Nair
• Lagaan (2001) by Ashutosh Gowariker

Deepa Mehta’s Water was also nominated but represented Canada

No Indian film has yet won in this specific category, making Homebound’s journey to the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026, a highly anticipated one.

Static Facts for Revision

• Film Title: Homebound
• Director: Neeraj Ghaywan
• India’s Entry for: Best International Feature Film, Oscars 2026
• Based on: “Taking Amrit Home” by Basharat Peer
• Producers: Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla
• Lead Actors: Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, Vishal Jethwa