Big win for desi cinema! Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound has officially been picked as India’s entry to the 2026 Oscars in the Best International Feature Film race.
The announcement dropped in Kolkata, where the selection committee head N. Chandra revealed that 24 films were in the running. “It wasn’t easy,” he said, adding that they were “coaches, not judges” looking for films that truly hit home.
Backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. The film tells the story of two childhood friends from a north Indian village chasing a police job that could finally bring them the respect they’ve been denied.
KJo couldn’t keep calm: “We are deeply honoured and humbled… Neeraj’s labour of love will find a home in a million hearts across the world.”
And Ghaywan? Totally emotional. “Homebound is rooted in the love for our land and people. To represent India on such a global stage is humbling and a matter of pride.”
