Homebound Enters Oscars 2026 Race as Karan Johar Calls Journey Unforgettable

Neeraj Ghaywan's critically acclaimed Hindi-language drama Homebound has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, advancing among 15 contenders selected from 86 eligible submissions worldwide. India's official entry, directed by the National Award-winning filmmaker behind Masaan, stars Ishaan Khatter as Shoaib, Vishal Jethwa as Chandan, and Janhvi Kapoor in a pivotal role. The film, produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions with Martin Scorsese as executive producer, explores profound themes of friendship, caste discrimination, religious prejudice, migration, and societal pressures in contemporary India.

Inspired by journalist Basharat Peer's 2020 New York Times article depicting a real-life incident during the COVID-19 lockdown, Homebound follows two childhood friends from a north Indian village—a Muslim and a Dalit—who pin their hopes for dignity and stability on passing a national police recruitment exam. As they navigate setbacks and growing desperation amid a politically fractured landscape, their unbreakable bond is tested, highlighting systemic inequalities and the quiet resilience of marginalised communities. The narrative blends raw emotion with social commentary, earning praise for its empathetic portrayal of human connection as a form of resistance.

The film's journey to the Oscars shortlist has been marked by international acclaim, beginning with its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. It later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, securing second runner-up in the International Audience Choice Award. Following a theatrical release on September 26, 2025, Homebound debuted on Netflix on November 21, reaching global audiences and further amplifying its resonant storytelling.

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Producer Karan Johar shared an emotional response on social media, expressing overwhelming pride and gratitude: "I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated, and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND." He thanked director Ghaywan for realising shared dreams "from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist" and extended appreciation to the cast, crew, and teams involved in this "special" film.

Homebound now competes against diverse entries, including Argentina's Belén, Brazil's The Secret Agent, France's It Was Just an Accident, Germany's Sound of Falling, and South Korea's No Other Choice. Academy members from all branches who opt in will view the 15 shortlisted films for the next voting phase.

The final five nominees will be announced on January 22, 2026, with the 98th Academy Awards ceremony, hosted by Conan O'Brien, set for March 15, 2026. This shortlist placement underscores the growing global recognition of nuanced Indian narratives addressing urgent social realities.

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