Neeraj Ghaywan’s Hindi film Homebound has officially been chosen as India’s entry for the 98th Academy Awards. Homebound portrays the friendship and struggles of a Dalit, Chandan (Jethwa), and a Muslim, Shoaib (Khattar).

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Hindi film Homebound has officially been selected as India’s entry in the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars 2026. The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
The chairman of the selection committee, veteran filmmaker N. Chandra, announced this at a press conference in Kolkata and praised the film’s emotional depth and cultural relevance.
After reviewing 24 strong contenders from different Indian languages, a 12-member jury of film industry professionals – including producers, directors, writers, and journalists – unanimously made this selection.

Story of Hindi film Homebound

Homebound is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home”, which explores themes of friendship, caste, and mortality during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Set against the backdrop of rural India, Homebound portrays the friendship and struggles of a Dalit, Chandan (Jethwa), and a Muslim, Shoaib (Khattar), who are determined to face every hardship in pursuit of a better life.
Caste realities, communal identities, and an unexpected tragedy test their bond and shared dreams.

India’s first film for the Oscars

India has been sending its films to the Oscars since 1957, when Mehboob Khan’s Mother India became the country’s first film to go to the Oscars. Last year, Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies was India’s entry, though it failed to make it to the Top 15 shortlist.

Homebound film team

Homebound has been co-produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, with Ishaan Khattar, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles. What makes this film even more special is the involvement of legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese as executive producer.
This selection marks another milestone in director Neeraj Ghaywan’s journey, who is known for his critically acclaimed debut film Masaan (2015).

The film was widely acclaimed at major international festivals

Premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2025.
Second runner-up in the People’s Choice category at the Toronto International Film Festival. Received a nine-minute standing ovation.
Won Best Film and Best Director awards at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).

Oscar winners

At the 95th Academy Awards in 2023, three Indian films received Oscar nominations: the song “Naatu Naatu” from the film RRR was nominated for Best Original Song, the documentary feature All That Breathes was nominated for Best Documentary Feature, and the short documentary The Elephant Whisperers was nominated for Best Documentary Short.