The Hindi film ‘Homebound’ has been named as India’s official entry to the 2026 Academy Awards. The film will compete in the Best International Feature category.The announcement was made on Friday, September 19, by N Chandra in Kolkata. Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Chandra said a total of 24 films in different languages were in contention for representing the country at the Oscars. “It was a very difficult choice. These were films that touched the lives of people,” he said in a report on PTI.”We were not judges but coaches. We were searching for players who have made their mark,” he added.The 12-member selection committee comprised producers, directors, writers, editors and journalists.
About the film
The film, follows two childhood friends from a small village in North India who dream of becoming police officers, hoping the job will bring them the respect they never had. However, as they come closer to their goal, pressure and struggles create problems in their friendship.
Success at Toronto Film Festival
This comes after the film’s warm reception at the 50th edition of the Toronto Film Festival. The film that was competing in the TIFF People’s Choice International Award, won the second runner-up. It was beaten by the Korean favourite ‘No Other Choice’ and ‘Sentimental Value’ which won the 1st runner-up.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan opens up about the film
Speaking at the festival, director Neeraj Ghaywan described ‘Homebound’ as “a deeply personal story about friendship, dignity, and survival. He said, “It’s about people who are often unseen, and the quiet strength they carry in a world that rarely pauses for them,” said the director, adding that he hopes the film “helps us look closer-with empathy-and see what we’ve been conditioned to ignore.”
Martin Scorsese praises Homebound
In an official note shared by the film’s team, Martin Scorsese praised ‘Homebound’ prior to its screening in Cannes 2025 earlier this year.”I have seen Neeraj’s first film Masaan in 2015 and I loved it, so when Melita Toscan du Plantier sent me the project of his second film, I was curious. I loved the story, the culture, and was willing to help. Neeraj has made a beautifully crafted film that’s a significant contribution to Indian Cinema. I am glad the movie is an official selection at Un Certain Regard in Cannes this year,” Scorsese said.The film received a 9-minute-long standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival 2025.
Producer Karan Johar’s reaction
Following the film’s success at TIFF, Karan Johar expressed his gratitude in an Instagram post. He wrote, “Always more special when it’s the people’s choice…Homebound, our film is a story we are all so so proud of and to see it being loved, accepted and appreciated across the globe, across language or any barriers – it is surreal! A big thank you to @tiff_net for giving us the platform.”He then went on to thank National Award-winning filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan for allowing him to be a part of “Homebound.” He added, “Congratulations to the entire team – this is only the beginning thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for allowing us to be a part of your labour of love.”
Homebound set for Indian theatrical release
The Neeraj Ghaywan directorial is set to hit the theatres in India on September 26, 2025.
About the 98th Academy Awards
News of the film’s entry to the Oscars comes ahead of the submission deadline for International Feature Film category, which was slated for Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The Oscars Shortlists will be announced on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with the official Oscars Nominations announcement slated for Thursday, January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Go to Source
