The film has received widespread accolades, including a celebrated premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2025, and an impactful screening at TIFF, where it secured the Second Runner-Up spot for the International Audience Choice Award
Homebound, the highly anticipated feature film by National Award-winning filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, has officially been shortlisted in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, marking a milestone for Indian cinema. Backed by Dharma Productions, the film is among just 15 titles selected from over 86 submissions worldwide, reaffirming its growing international acclaim.
The film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, follows childhood friends Shoaib (Khatter) and Chandan (Jethwa), whose shared dream of joining the police force shapes their lives. Janhvi Kapoor adds emotional depth to a story grounded in friendship, duty, and the pressures facing young India. The narrative explores universal themes of connection and compassion, which Ghaywan describes as forms of quiet resistance, making the film both intimate and globally resonant.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan said, “‘Homebound’ was born from a place of quiet truth and an urge to tell stories of those who are unseen. After screening at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals and being loved by audiences, it has now found a home on Netflix, reaching viewers in 190 countries. I am truly excited for this opportunity and deeply value my long-standing relationship with Netflix throughout my career.”
The film has received widespread accolades, including a celebrated premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2025, and an impactful screening at TIFF, where it secured the Second Runner-Up spot for the International Audience Choice Award.
Shah Rukh Khan took to his X handle to praise Homebound, calling it “gentle, honest, and soulful.” He added, “Lots of love and big hugs to the phenomenal team for creating something so human and engaging. You have won hearts world over by making something truly special!”
Producer Karan Johar called the Oscar recognition “surreal,” stating, “Homebound is a film that speaks softly but powerfully. Neeraj’s voice is one of the most important in Indian cinema today, and this recognition only reaffirms that. We are deeply thankful to the Academy and proud to represent India on this journey.” Co-producer Apoorva Mehta echoed the sentiment, noting, “We always knew Homebound was quietly powerful. To see the Academy recognise that honesty and craft is incredibly moving and a proud moment for everyone involved.”
The film’s producers also include Adar Poonawalla, Somen Mishra, with co-producers Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier, and executive producers Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar. Their collaboration has ensured that Homebound maintains a balance of universal appeal and deeply rooted Indian storytelling.
With this shortlist, India secures its fifth major recognition in the Best International Feature Film category in the Academy Awards’ 98-year history. Previous Indian films to achieve this include Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2001). In the era of the expanded 15-film shortlist, Chhello Show and now Homebound have advanced, demonstrating the growing global visibility of Indian cinema.
Homebound stands as a landmark achievement, blending empathy-driven storytelling with world-class craft, and continues to establish India as a significant voice in contemporary global cinema.
