Homebound selected as India's official entry for Oscars 2026: Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor starrer eyes global glory

The announcement, made by the Film Federation of India in Kolkata on September 19, 2025, comes after the film outshone 24 contenders from various languages. Starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in lead roles, with Janhvi Kapoor in a pivotal cameo, the movie is produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and executive-produced by Martin Scorsese.

Homebound  tells the gripping true story of two childhood friends from a North Indian village chasing dreams of police jobs amid mounting challenges. Inspired by Basharat Peer's 2020 New York Times essay, the film explores themes of ambition, friendship, and societal hurdles. Shot extensively in Bhopal and surrounding areas, it highlights Madhya Pradesh's scenic landscapes and film-friendly ecosystem.

The film has already garnered international acclaim. It premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, earning a nine-minute standing ovation that left the team, including Ghaywan and Johar, emotional. At the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF),    Homebound    secured second place in the People's Choice Award race. Dharma Productions celebrated the Oscar selection on X, calling it a "pinch-me moment."

India has seen nominations in this category for classics like    Mother India , Salaam Bombay!   , and Lagaan, but no wins yet. The country's sole Oscar triumph came with    RRR   's Best Original Song in 2023. With its heartfelt narrative and stellar performances,    Homebound    aims to break the streak. The film hits theaters on September 26, 2025, ahead of its Oscar journey against entries from over 100 countries.

This selection underscores Bollywood's growing global footprint, blending raw storytelling with star power. Fans are buzzing could Homebound  finally bring home the gold?