India has officially selected Neeraj Ghaywan’s drama Homebound as the country’s submission for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. This announcement, ahead of the film’s theatrical release later this month, signals the start of the film’s Oscar campaign.
The Film Federation of India (FFI) confirmed the decision on Friday, ensuring Homebound will compete for a nomination alongside submissions from over 100 countries. So far, only three Indian films Mother India (1958), Salaam Bombay! (1989), and Lagaan (2002) have made it to the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category, though none have won. Indian films have found greater success in open categories, with RRR winning two awards in 2023.
Though Homebound has not yet released in India, it has already made waves internationally. The film had its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May, where it received a standing ovation. Later, it was showcased at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, where it finished as the second runner-up in the International People’s Choice Award category.
Karan Johar, who expressed his excitement about the film’s Oscar nomination, shared, “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 Neeraj Ghaywan responded with heartfelt gratitude, saying, “It’s an honour for Homebound to represent India at the Oscars. Rooted in the love for our land and people, this film carries the essence of home we all share. I’m deeply grateful to take our stories to the world.”
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Starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, Homebound follows two young men from rural India as they strive for government jobs to improve their social standing. The film explores their struggles with caste and communal discrimination, while Janhvi Kapoor plays a significant role as their friend.
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