Acclaimed film Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan (Masaan) and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, has been officially selected as India’s entry for Best International Feature consideration at the 98th Academy Awards®.
Homebound has already built extraordinary momentum on the global stage. The film had its World Premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section. It went on to secure further acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it was named Second Runner-Up for the International People’s Choice Award.
Producer, Karan Johar, says, “We are deeply honoured and humbled that Homebound has been selected as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. Neeraj Ghaywan’s labour of love is sure to find a home in a million hearts across the world.”
Director, Neeraj Ghaywan, says, “I’m deeply honoured that Homebound has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars. Rooted in the love for our land and our people, it carries the essence of the home we all share. To take our stories to the world and represent India at one of the biggest global stages for cinema is both humbling and a matter of pride, and for this I’m extremely grateful.”
The film follows two childhood friends from rural North India, who aspire to become policemen. They face caste and religious discrimination as they try to escape their societal roles, and struggle with systemic prejudice. Janhvi Kapoor’s character is also shown trying to push against restrictions.
Produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla and Apoorva Mehta under the banner of Dharma Productions, Homebound releases worldwide on 26th September 2025, distributed overseas by PHARS Film and Moviegoers Entertainment.
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