Homebound has taken a major step forward in the global awards race by being shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, set for March 2026. Earlier in 2025, the film was selected as India’s official entry after a committee evaluated 24 titles across languages, industries, and regions. The contenders included Telugu films such as Pushpa 2, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, Kannappa, and Kuberaa, but Neeraj Ghaywan’s Hindi film Homebound stood out for its craft, message, and emotional depth.

Now that Homebound has made the shortlist of 15 international films, the path to an Oscar nomination becomes even more competitive. Academy members who choose to take part in this category will watch each shortlisted film and vote for the top five. These finalists will be revealed in January 2026. In February, all eligible Academy voters will choose the winner, with the award presented in March. Reaching this stage is already a rare milestone for Indian cinema and adds momentum to the film’s growing reputation.

Produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. The story follows two childhood friends from a small village in North India who share a dream of joining the police force. Their journey explores themes of caste, religion, identity, and ambition, offering a grounded and emotional portrait of modern India. The film has already earned critical praise overseas, premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and later screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it became second runner-up for the International People’s Choice Award. Homebound’s shortlist achievement signals rising global recognition for Indian filmmaking, and movie lovers now wait to see whether it will secure a nomination and go the distance on Oscar night.