Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Chosen as India’s Official Entry for Oscars 2026

Neeraj Ghaywan’s second feature film, Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, has been selected as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars 2026. The film released in theatres on September 26.

In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Ishaan Khatter expressed pride over the film representing India, emphasizing its deep social message. “It has a subliminal message urging humanity, compassion, and understanding in the viewer,” he said. Ishaan, who portrays Mohammed Shoaib Ali, added, “It’s an urgent call to action for the dormant humanity in us to come alive and acknowledge certain harsh realities we are living amidst.”

He elaborated on the film’s focus on marginalized individuals: “When we read stories about people, be it marginalized communities or migrants, they often get lost in statistics. Our attempt was to zoom in on the lives of two such people and humanize them, showing their differences and appealing to common humanity.”

Vishal Jethwa, who plays Chandan Kumar, a Dalit aspirant navigating systemic caste barriers, called the recognition “an important moment.” Speaking to NDTV, he said, “I hope the movie’s message is conveyed. This shouldn’t just be a film people talk about for a while and forget. It can be a conversation starter and a powerful tool to influence society.”

About Homebound

Homebound tells the poignant story of Chandan Kumar and Mohammed Shoaib Ali, two young men from financially weak backgrounds striving to live a life with dignity, or “ijjat.” The film explores the casual casteism and anti-minority biases that pervade everyday life, showing the protagonists’ struggles magnified during the pandemic as they face an uncertain future.

Through its sensitive storytelling, Homebound seeks to humanize marginalized experiences and inspire viewers to confront societal prejudices while reflecting on shared humanity.