India has officially chosen Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, as its submission for the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) in the Best International Feature Film category.
Here’s a detailed overview of the film and its journey:
About Homebound
- Director: Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his critically acclaimed work in Indian cinema.
- Producers: Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla.
- Cast: Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor.
- Inspiration: The story is inspired by Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times essay “Taking Amrit Home.”
Story & Themes
- Set in a small North Indian town, Homebound follows two childhood friends pursuing a police job that symbolizes dignity and escape from systemic oppression.
- The film explores caste divisions, religious tensions, and the emotional toll of the pandemic lockdown.
- It’s described as a moving character study and a sharp critique of modern India’s socio-political landscape.
Recognition & Selection
- Premiered in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section.
- Named second runner-up for the TIFF People’s Choice Award in Toronto.
- Selected from 24 Indian films by a jury led by filmmaker N Chandra and FFI President Firdausul Hasan.
- Martin Scorsese is among its executive producers, adding global prestige to the project.
India’s Oscar Journey
India has yet to win in this category, though it has earned three nominations in the past:
- Mother India (1957)
- Salaam Bombay! (1988)
- Lagaan (2001)
The choice of Homebound signifies a shift toward films that combine local authenticity with international appeal. If it makes the shortlist, it could mark a significant moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.
Source: Agencies
CitiTimes 