India has officially chosen Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound as its entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, the Hindi film has already created a strong global impression.
The film premiered earlier this year at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025 in the Un Certain Regard section. It received a rare nine-minute standing ovation from the audience, establishing itself as one of the most talked-about Indian films on the international stage.
Homebound explores deep themes of family ties, emotional struggles, and human connections. Through its sensitive storytelling and nuanced performances, the film captures the complexities of relationships and the emotional journey of its characters. Ghaywan’s direction, combined with heartfelt performances by the cast, has been praised for bringing raw authenticity to the screen.
Produced by Karan Johar, the film has generated significant excitement not only in India but also internationally. Film critics and industry experts have highlighted Homebound as a strong contender, capable of competing with films from across the globe at the Oscars.
With this selection, India once again steps into the spotlight of world cinema. The journey ahead will involve screenings, promotions, and Oscar campaigns, but the initial response at Cannes has already raised expectations. Many believe that Homebound could mark another proud moment for Indian cinema by securing a place in the final nominations at the 2026 Academy Awards.
