Produced by Karan Johar, Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in lead roles and draws inspiration from real-life events during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film follows two young men from rural India aspiring to join the police force, while navigating the intersecting pressures of caste, poverty, and migration. Jurors cited the film’s restrained storytelling and social depth as key strengths that resonated beyond national boundaries.
The shortlisting triggered an outpouring of congratulations from the Hindi film industry. Johar’s social media platforms were flooded with messages from actors and filmmakers, who described the recognition as a proud moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.
Homebound had earlier earned international acclaim at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation following its premiere. It was the only Indian feature film screened at Cannes that year, drawing attention for its portrayal of migrant workers’ struggles during the lockdown. The cast also includes Jahnvi Kapoor in a pivotal role.
Directed by Ghaywan, best known for Masaan, the film has been praised for its empathetic yet unflinching gaze on social realities. Critics have noted its quiet intensity and refusal to offer easy resolutions.
Despite its global reception, Homebound faced hurdles ahead of its Indian release in September 2025. The Central Board of Film Certification ordered multiple edits, resulting in 11 cuts amounting to over a minute of footage.
With the Oscars shortlist, Homebound now joins a select group of films vying for a final nomination, reinforcing India’s growing presence in international awards conversations and spotlighting socially rooted storytelling from the country.
‘Homebound’ Shortlisted for Oscars 2026, Marks Major Milestone for Indian Cinema
Digital Desk
Produced by Karan Johar, Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in lead roles and draws inspiration from real-life events during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film follows two young men from rural India aspiring to join the police force, while navigating the intersecting pressures of caste, poverty, and migration. Jurors cited the film’s restrained storytelling and social depth as key strengths that resonated beyond national boundaries.
The shortlisting triggered an outpouring of congratulations from the Hindi film industry. Johar’s social media platforms were flooded with messages from actors and filmmakers, who described the recognition as a proud moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.
Homebound had earlier earned international acclaim at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation following its premiere. It was the only Indian feature film screened at Cannes that year, drawing attention for its portrayal of migrant workers’ struggles during the lockdown. The cast also includes Jahnvi Kapoor in a pivotal role.
Directed by Ghaywan, best known for Masaan, the film has been praised for its empathetic yet unflinching gaze on social realities. Critics have noted its quiet intensity and refusal to offer easy resolutions.
Despite its global reception, Homebound faced hurdles ahead of its Indian release in September 2025. The Central Board of Film Certification ordered multiple edits, resulting in 11 cuts amounting to over a minute of footage.
With the Oscars shortlist, Homebound now joins a select group of films vying for a final nomination, reinforcing India’s growing presence in international awards conversations and spotlighting socially rooted storytelling from the country.
