Hindi film Homebound has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category. The announcement was made at a press conference in Kolkata by selection committee chairperson N. Chandra, who revealed that 24 films across multiple languages were considered for the honor. “It was a very difficult choice. These were films that touched people’s lives,” he said, adding, “We were not judges but coaches, searching for players who made their mark.” The 12-member panel included filmmakers, producers, writers, editors, and journalists.
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles. The film tells the story of two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who aspire to join the police force, seeking dignity and social recognition.
Reflecting on her experience, Janhvi Kapoor said she never treated the film as a personal milestone. “There was a collective sense that we were making something bigger than ourselves. At Cannes, when people were moved by it, it didn’t feel like they liked our work — it felt like they connected with something deeply human,” she shared. Co-star Vishal Jethwa admitted that he initially struggled to connect with the story. “When I first watched it, I couldn’t relate. But at Cannes, the experience was transformative. I stopped caring about reviews after that. Indians are excited to see this film, especially after its international reception,” he added.
The selection of Homebound comes a year after Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies was chosen as India’s entry to the Oscars, edging out 29 other films. Produced by Aamir Khan, that film was praised for blending comedy with a social message and received acclaim for its fresh cast and storytelling.
With Homebound, expectations are running high as India once again aims to make a mark on the global stage with a film that combines compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and universal human themes.
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