Neeraj Ghaywan's "Homebound," starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, has made significant strides in the Oscar race, securing a coveted spot among the top 15 films in the Best International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards. This achievement marks a notable moment for Indian cinema, as "Homebound" advances to the next round of voting after being selected from a pool of 86 eligible countries.
The film, which features Janhvi Kapoor in a key role, explores the bond between childhood friends Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa) as they navigate their shared aspirations of joining the police force, set against the backdrop of the challenges and pressures facing young people in India. "Homebound" is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and Apoorva Mehta.
Ishaan Khatter has embarked on a promotional tour in the United States to support "Homebound" ahead of the Oscar nominations, which are scheduled to be announced on January 22, 2026. He shared a glimpse of his trip on Instagram, expressing his enthusiasm for the film's journey.
"Homebound" has garnered international acclaim, including premieres at prestigious film festivals such as Cannes, Toronto, and Melbourne. Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese has lauded the film, saying he was "deeply moved" by the story.
The selection of "Homebound" among the 15 shortlisted films is a rare achievement, making it only the fifth Indian film to reach this stage in the history of the Academy Awards. Other films shortlisted for the award include "Belen" from Argentina, "The Secret Agent" from Brazil, "It Was Just an Accident" from France, and "Sound of Falling" from Germany.
Ishaan Khatter, son of actors Rajesh Khattar and Neelima Azeem, made his debut in the 2005 film "Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!". He gained recognition for his leading role in Majid Majidi's "Beyond the Clouds" (2017), winning the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. His performance in the commercially successful romantic drama "Dhadak" (2018) further solidified his position in Bollywood. Khatter has also starred in the British miniseries "A Suitable Boy" (2020).
"Homebound" delves into themes of friendship, duty, and the struggles of young Indians, with Khatter portraying a Muslim man navigating religious discrimination. The film's journey to the Oscars reflects the growing recognition of Indian cinema on the global stage.
