India’s Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, has advanced to the next round of voting in the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards, earning a spot among 15 shortlisted films. Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, an executive producer on the film, said he was “deeply moved” by the story, praising its focus on empathy and human connection.
Scorsese shared a video on Instagram reflecting on his involvement. “I remember working on the script… I’ve been living with it for about three years. It’s satisfying to see it here,” he said. He highlighted the film’s portrayal of joy, tragedy, and humanity, noting the story’s resonance beyond the COVID era.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan emphasized that the film avoids political sloganeering, focusing instead on friendship as a “vehicle of resistance.” He said: “Connection is a form of resistance… we must empathize with our adversaries and recognize the humanity that exists between us.”
Ghaywan expressed gratitude to Scorsese for his guidance during writing and editing, saying his insights helped shape the film for a global audience. Ishaan Khatter, meanwhile, called Scorsese’s involvement “a blessing to cherish for a lifetime” and praised the legendary director’s contribution as “priceless.”
Homebound follows Shoaib and Chandan, childhood friends from a small North Indian village, who dream of becoming police officers to gain respect. As they pursue their goal, mounting pressures strain their friendship, creating a powerful story of ambition, loyalty, and resilience.
Oscar nominations for the International Feature category will be announced on January 22.
