Homebound becomes India’s official entry for Oscars 2026

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homeboundfeaturing Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Filmmaker Karan Johar reacted emotionally to the development, saying he was struggling to put his feelings into words.

The film is based on true events and follows two childhood friends from a village in northern India who dream of becoming police officers. They believe the job will bring respect, stability and a better future for their families.

With nearly 2.5 million applicants competing for just 3,500 positions, the odds are against them. As they wait for the exam results, their friendship is strained by fear, uncertainty and social pressure.

 

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One friend, Shoaib, is Muslim. The other, Chandan, belongs to the Dalit community. Through their journey, Homebound highlights how caste, religion and class continue to shape opportunities in India. The film shows how discrimination quietly affects everyday life rather than presenting it through dramatic moments.

The story is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times article Taking Amrit Home. It also reflects the struggles of migrant workers and the emotional and economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many scenes focus on waiting for jobs, for news and for dignity.

The official handle of Dharma Movies shared a poster of Homebound on Instagram, writing, “Homebound has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. We’re deeply grateful for the extraordinary love and support we’ve received from around the world.”

Homebound faces competition from Argentina’s BelénBrazil’s The Secret AgentFrance’s It Was Just an AccidentGermany’s Sound of FallingIraq’s The President’s CakeJapan’s That’s itJordan’s All That’s Left of YouNorway’s Sentimental ValuePalestine’s Palestine 36South Korea’s No Other ChoiceSpain’s SirâtSwitzerland’s Late ShiftTaiwan’s Left-Handed Girl and Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab.

The Academy will announce the final nominations on January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, with comedian Conan O’Brien returning as host.