- By Swati Singh
- Fri, 19 Sep 2025 07:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound is all set to release in India. However, the film has been receiving widespread acclaim even ahead of its theatrical release. Homebound has been officially chosen as India’s entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The movie stars Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa in lead roles.
The Film Federation of India, an independent body responsible for selecting the country’s official entry, announced on Friday that Homebound would represent India at the Oscars, according to news agency PTI. The film will now compete with entries from over a hundred countries, aiming first for a nomination and ultimately for the Best International Feature Film award next year.
Historically, only three Indian films—Mother India, Salaam Bombay and Lagaan—have been nominated in this category, but none have won. India’s only Oscar wins have come in the open categories, including two awards for RRR in 2023.
About Homebound: Homebound is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra under the banner of Dharma Productions. The film is based on a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer and stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. It tells the story of two childhood friends striving to clear the national police exam, exploring their struggles, ambitions, and the challenges they face along the way.
The film had its premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section on 21 May 2025, receiving attention and acclaim from international audiences. Homebound is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 26, 2025, ahead of its official screening across India.