Our Bureau
Mumbai
This Friday, on September 19th, ‘Homebound’ starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor has been chosen as the official entry of India for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category. The movie recently had a grand premier at the Cannes Festival 2025 in the Un Certain Regard section and made headlines receiving a nine-minute standing ovation.
N Chandra, the chairperson of the selection committee announced the news through a press conference in Kolkata. The selection committee consisted of 12 members including producers, directors, writers, editors, and journalists. He revealed that it was a tough decision as around 24 films in different languages were in contention for representing the country at the 2026 Oscars.
“It was a very difficult choice. These were films that touched the lives of people. We were not judges but coaches. We were searching for players who have made their mark,” he said.
The co-producer of the movie, Karan Johar took to his Instagram and shared the big news calling it a moment that he will never forget. He expressed that he feels honoured and humbled that ‘Homebound’ will be representing India in the 98th Academy Awards as the nation’s official entry for Best International Feature.
“One of the ‘pinch me’ moments that I will NEVER forget!!!! Extremely honoured, humbled and ecstatic that our film #Homebound is selected as India’s official entry for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards! Our deepest gratitude to the Film Federation of India for believe in the story, in us and what we can bring to the world stage for Indian cinema. Heartiest congratulations to the entire team.”
The directorial venture of Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound is produced by Adar Poonawalla alongside Johar. The movie revolves around the story of two childhood friends from a small north Indian village who are looking for a police job that promises them the dignity they have craved for forever.
