Producer Karan Johar expressed his admiration for director Neeraj Ghaywan on social media as soon as the Oscar nominations were announced. Sharing scenes from the film on his Instagram story, Johar praised Ghaywan’s vision and dedication, writing, “Feeling very proud!!! Lots of love to you, Neeraj Ghaywan; thank you for letting us be a part of your light!”
Ghaywan reciprocated by resharing Johar’s story and thanking him for his support throughout the production. “Thank you, Karan Johar! You have been a strong support for me. It wouldn't have been possible to reach here without you. Love you,” he wrote.
Homebound, produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apurva Mehta, and Soman Mishra, had earlier made headlines for its selection on the Oscar’s top 15 shortlist, narrowly missing out on the final five nominations. The films ultimately nominated in the category hail from Brazil, France, Norway, Spain, and Tunisia. Had it been nominated, Homebound would have become the first Indian film since Aamir Khan’s Lagaan to compete in the International Feature Film category. The Oscar ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026.
The film stars Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter, and tells the story of childhood friends Shoaib and Chandan, whose shared ambition of joining the police force shapes their lives. Exploring themes of friendship, responsibility, and the pressures faced by today’s youth, Homebound was inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s article ‘Taking Amrit Home’.
Homebound premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was subsequently screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, earning acclaim for its storytelling and performances. Released in cinemas worldwide on September 26, 2025, it later became available on Netflix from November 21, 2025, continuing to receive praise from audiences and critics alike.
Despite missing out on an Oscar nomination, the film’s journey to international platforms has been widely celebrated within the Indian film community, highlighting the growing presence of Indian cinema on the global stage.
