Neeraj Ghaywan's "Homebound," fresh off its Oscar shortlist announcement, is now embroiled in a legal battle. Author Puja Changoiwala has filed a lawsuit against Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, alleging that the film plagiarizes her book of the same name.

Just days after the film was shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, Changoiwala claims that "Homebound" is a blatant copy of her novel. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, and produced by Karan Johar, was selected as India's official entry for the Oscars.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlists across several categories on December 16, 2025, including Animated Short Film, Cinematography, and International Feature Film. "Homebound" was among fifteen films shortlisted in the Best International Feature Film category.

Changoiwala's অভিযোগ [allegation] could potentially disrupt the film's Oscar campaign. The voting for the Academy members is scheduled to take place between January 12 and January 16, 2026, with the final nominations to be announced on January 22, 2026.

"Homebound" tells a quiet, character-driven story. The film's selection for the Oscar shortlist was seen as a recognition of the growing appetite for nuanced storytelling in Indian cinema. It focuses on emotion rather than excess. Khatter and Jethwa's performances are measured, and the storytelling is patient.

Prior to "Homebound," only four Indian films have made it to the Oscar shortlist. Three of those films, "Mother India" (1957), "Salaam Bombay!" (1988), and "Lagaan", reached the final Best International Feature category but did not win.

Dharma Productions and director Neeraj Ghaywan have yet to issue an official statement regarding the plagiarism allegations. The legal proceedings and their outcome could significantly impact the film's chances at the Academy Awards.