Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ Selected As India's Official Entry to Oscars 2026

In a major honour ahead of its theatrical release, Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa has been selected as India's official entry to the 98th Academy Awards. The film will compete in the Best International Feature category.

Produced by Dharma Productions, Homebound follows two close friends from marginalised communities who aspire to become police officers in search of dignity and stability. But as desperation intensifies in their pursuit, their bond begins to fray. The film’s story is inspired by a New York Times op-ed by noted writer-journalist Basharat Peer.

Homebound was selected out of 24 films by the Film Federation of India’s (FFI) selection committee. The announcement was made by the committee’s chair N Chandra at a press conference in Kolkata. Homebound’s producer, Karan Johar, said he was deeply honoured and proud with the Oscar selection. “Neeraj Ghaywan’s labour of love is sure to a find a home in a million hearts across the world,” Johar said.

Ghaywan, who made his directorial debut with Masaan in 2015, said of Homebound’s selection: “I’m deeply honoured that Homebound has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars. Rooted in the love for our land and our people, it carries the essence of the home we all share. To take our stories to the world and represent India at one of the biggest global stages for cinema is both humbling and a matter of pride, and for this I’m extremely grateful.”

Homebound’s international footprint began with its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. The film was shown in the Un Certain Regard section, a category where Masaan also played.

More recently, Homebound was feted at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival ?(TIFF), winning second runner-up for TIFF People's Choice International Award.

The film is scheduled for theatrical release on September 26.