‘Homebound’ is a heartfelt drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan that follows two childhood friends chasing their dream of becoming police officers in modern India. Starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, the film explores quiet pressures faced by young people today.
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Indian cinema has a new reason to celebrate. Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s film ‘Homebound’ has moved one step closer to the world’s biggest film stage. Yes, the Oscars. The film has has made it to official shortlist in International Feature Film category for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, also known as Oscars 2026.
‘Homebound’ starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa has made it to the list of 15 films that are still in the race for a final Oscar nomination. Films from 86 countries and regions were eligible this year making the competition extremely tough.
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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) confirmed that these 15 films have advanced to the next round of voting.
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This means ‘Homebound’ is now among the top international films being closely watched by Academy members.
India’s official Oscar entry is sharing space with films from some of the biggest film-producing countries in the world. The shortlist includes Argentina’s ‘Belen’, Brazil’s ‘The Secret Agent’, France’s ‘It Was Just an Accident’, and Germany’s ‘Sound of Falling’, among others.
The film’s production house, Dharma Productions, shared the happy news on Instagram. In their post, they thanked audiences and supporters across the world for the love ‘Homebound’ has received.
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According to AMPAS, the shortlist was decided after active participation by Academy members in the preliminary voting round. In the next stage, members from all branches of the Academy can opt in to vote.
However, there is one important rule. Voters must watch all 15 shortlisted films before casting their votes. This is to ensure that each film gets a fair and serious viewing before final nominations are announced.
‘Homebound’ tells the story of childhood friends Shoaib and Chandan played by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa. Both young men share a dream of joining the police force. This is a goal that shapes their choices, struggles, friendship.
Janhvi Kapoor plays a key role that adds emotional weight to the story.
Earlier this year, ‘Homebound’ impressed international audiences at major film festivals. It premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2025 followed by strong reception at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
At TIFF, the film won Second Runner-Up for the International Audience Choice Award.
The film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and Apoorva Mehta, with co-producers Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier. Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar are also attached as Executive Producers.
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