As the anticipation builds for the 2026 Oscars, filmmaker Gurinder Chadha has voiced her strong support for Karan Johar and his film "Homebound," which has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category. Chadha, known for her cross-cultural narratives, affectionately called Johar a "fancy Punjabi pra" while discussing the film's Oscar prospects.

"Homebound," directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and backed by Johar's Dharma Productions, stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. The film tells the story of two childhood friends, Shoaib (Ishaan) and Chandan (Vishal), who seek dignity through police work but find themselves ensnared in India's harsh socio-political realities. The storyline is inspired by Basharat Peer's 2020 New York Times article, 'Taking Amrit Home'.

Chadha's support comes as "Homebound" navigates the competitive Oscar race. The film is among 15 titles shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film award. From this shortlist, only five films will advance to the final nominations, which will be announced on January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026.

"Homebound" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). At TIFF, it was the second runner-up for the International Audience Choice Award. The film was released in theaters on September 26, 2025.

Johar expressed his excitement about "Homebound" being shortlisted on Instagram, and other celebrities, including Manish Malhotra, Kiara Advani, and Dia Mirza, have congratulated the team.

The film faces competition from other films including Argentina's "Belen", Brazil's "The Secret Agent", France's "It Was Just an Accident", and Germany's "Sound of Falling".

Gurinder Chadha's backing adds to the film's momentum as it vies for a coveted spot in the final nominations. Her appreciation for Johar and "Homebound" highlights the film's potential to resonate with a global audience.