Vaara Phalalu – 19th – 25th May – Weekly Predictions 2013

Every year, India selects a film to represent the country in the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. This process involves evaluating films from across various Indian languages and industries.

In September 2025, after reviewing twenty-four films, including Telugu entries like Pushpa 2, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, Kannappa, and Kuberaa, the selection committee chose Neeraj Ghaywan’s Hindi film Homebound as India’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars.

The International Feature Film Committee of the Academy reviews all eligible submissions and creates a shortlist of 15 films. On Tuesday, it was announced that Homebound has made this prestigious shortlist for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2026.

Following this, Academy members who participate in this category watch the shortlisted films and vote again to determine the final five nominees, which will be revealed in January. In the last voting phase, all eligible Academy voters select a winner from these five nominees, with the film receiving the highest votes winning the Oscar in March.

Being shortlisted is a significant milestone, putting Homebound just one step away from an official nomination. The film now awaits confirmation on whether it will make the final nominee list and potentially claim the Oscar.

Produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. The story revolves around two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who aspire to join the police force. Despite facing obstacles linked to caste and religion, their friendship and determination drive them forward.

The film has already impressed international audiences, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 and later screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the second runner-up position for the International People’s Choice Award.