Neeraj Ghaywan's "Homebound," starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, has emerged as a strong contender for India at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026). The film has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category, placing it among the final 15 films selected from 86 entries. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian cinema, highlighting the country's growing presence on the global stage.
"Homebound" tells the story of two childhood friends, Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), as they navigate their aspirations of joining the police force. The film explores themes of identity, migration, and the concept of "root" in modern India, while also addressing key social issues like casteism. Critics have praised the movie for its cinematic brilliance, authentic dialogue, and universal resonance.
The selection process for India's official entry involved a review of 24 films from various languages by the Film Federation of India (FFI). "Homebound" emerged as the frontrunner, beating out other strong contenders. The film's selection underscores the evolving quality of Indian regional and independent cinema.
Prior to its Oscar bid, "Homebound" garnered significant attention at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, where it received a 9-minute standing ovation in the Un Certain Regard section. It also had a notable showing at the Toronto International Film Festival. These accolades have further solidified the film's position as a potential Oscar winner.
"Homebound" now faces a crucial phase as it competes for a final nomination. Academy members from all branches are invited to participate in the nomination round and must view all 15 shortlisted films to vote. The voting will take place between January 12, 2026, and January 16, 2026, and the final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22, 2026.
Achieving a spot on the shortlist is a monumental achievement, with only four Indian films before "Homebound" accomplishing this feat. Three of those films, "Mother India" (1957), "Salaam Bombay!" (1988), and "Lagaan" (2001), went on to secure nominations for Best International Feature Film (then known as Best Foreign Language Film), though none won the award.
The journey to the Oscars is a challenging one, but "Homebound" has already demonstrated its potential to resonate with international audiences and critics alike. The film's poignant narrative, strong performances, and exploration of relevant social issues make it a compelling contender for the Best International Feature Film award at the 98th Academy Awards.
