Indian Film ‘Homebound’ shortlisted for Oscars

WEB DESK: In a significant achievement for Indian cinema, the film Homebound, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, has been officially shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The announcement, made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, places the film among a select group of contenders from around the globe vying for the prestigious honor.

Director Neeraj Ghaywan shared the news on social media, expressing profound gratitude. “#Homebound has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards! We’re deeply grateful for the extraordinary love and support we’ve received from around the world,” he wrote.

Producer Karan Johar of Dharma Film expressed overwhelming pride and joy for the film Homebound‘s remarkable journey. He described it as a “proud and important” addition to their filmography and thanked director Neeraj Ghaywan for making dreams a reality. The post celebrated the film’s path from its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival to its recent shortlisting for the Best International Feature Film Oscar, calling it an “overwhelming journey.” He extended love to the entire cast and crew and announces that the film is now streaming on Netflix India, concluding with an optimistic “Upwards and onwards.”

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Released earlier this year, Homebound stood out as one of the most powerful Indian films of the year, offering a stark and unsettling examination of caste, displacement, and the deep structural injustices faced by marginalised communities. Set during the Covid-19 pandemic, the film unfolds against a harsh social and emotional landscape shaped by crisis and inequality. Its impact is driven by restrained yet emotionally charged performances from Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, with Janhvi Kapoor in a key supporting role, grounding the narrative in human vulnerability and lived experience.

Homebound has been celebrated for its powerful narrative and artistic vision, resonating with audiences and critics internationally. Its journey to the Oscars shortlist marks a milestone, highlighting the growing recognition of diverse storytelling from India on the world’s most prominent cinematic stage. The film will now advance to the next phase of voting, where the final nominees will be determined. The official nominations for the 98th Oscars are scheduled to be announced in the coming months.