Yesterday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) delivered a news that sent ripples of joy through the Indian film fraternity. ‘Homebound’, the soul-stirring drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has officially been shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) in the Best International Feature Film category.
For the readers of dharmendrakumhar.com, this isn’t just a win for Bollywood; it’s a win for the kind of storytelling that forces us to look at the invisible faces of our society. Out of 86 eligible films from across the globe, ‘Homebound’ has secured a spot in the elite Top 15. This is only the fifth time in history an Indian film has reached the shortlist, placing it alongside legendary predecessors like Mother India, Salaam Bombay!, and Lagaan.
- The Vision of Neeraj Ghaywan: A Decade After ‘Masaan’
A decade ago, Neeraj Ghaywan made his debut with Masaan, a film that won hearts at Cannes and redefined indie cinema in India. With Homebound, Ghaywan has returned with a story that is even more personal and raw.
Inspired by Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home,” the film explores the lives of those who live on the margins. Ghaywan, who has been vocal about his own identity as a Dalit filmmaker, infuses the script with lived experiences of shame, anxiety, and eventual reclamation of identity. On my website, we often highlight the power of authentic narratives, and Homebound is the ultimate testament to that power.
- The Story: A Search for Dignity
The film follows two childhood friends, Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), living in a small village in Northern India. Their lives are defined by a singular goal: passing the national police examination. In a country where over 2.5 million applicants compete for just 3,500 slots, the police uniform is not just a job; it is a ticket to dignity and social stability.
As they wait for their results, the film takes us through the devastating landscape of the pandemic-era migrant crisis and the persistent barriers of caste and religion. Janhvi Kapoor joins the cast in a pivotal role, adding emotional depth to a narrative that is as much about friendship as it is about the “existential” reasons that force people to leave their homes.
- The “Martin Scorsese” Stamp of Approval
One of the reasons Homebound has gained such massive traction in Hollywood is its executive producer list, which features the legendary Martin Scorsese. Alongside Indian powerhouse Karan Johar and Dharma Productions, Scorsese’s backing has ensured that the film was seen by the right eyes in Los Angeles and New York.
The film premiered earlier this year at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it received a staggering 9-minute standing ovation in the Un Certain Regard section. This international acclaim was the fuel that propelled it through the rigorous preliminary voting rounds of the Academy.
- The Path to the Final Five: What Happens Next?
The “Shortlist” is the semi-final. Out of these 15 films, only five will receive the official Oscar nomination.
The competition this year is particularly stiff. India is sharing the shortlist with heavyweights like:
- France: It Was Just an Accident (directed by Jafar Panahi)
- South Korea: No Other Choice (directed by Park Chan-wook)
- Brazil: The Secret Agent
- Germany: Sound of Falling
The voting rules for this category are strict. Unlike other categories where members can vote based on hype, for the Best International Feature, Academy members must watch all 15 shortlisted films before they are allowed to cast their vote. This bodes well for Homebound, as its technical brilliance—specifically the cinematography by Pratik Shah—is best appreciated on a big screen.
- Why ‘Homebound’ is Different from Previous Entries
In recent years, India’s entries have often focused on high-budget spectacles or documentaries. While RRR won the Oscar for Best Original Song, it didn’t compete in the International Feature category. Homebound represents a return to “Small Cinema with a Large Heart.”
It doesn’t rely on CGI or choreographed dance sequences. Its strength lies in its “authentic dialogue” and the universal resonance of its script. It talks about things contemporary India often shies away from—the migrant population, casteism, and the disillusionment of the youth. By making these “statistics” human, Ghaywan has created a film that doesn’t just ask for an award; it asks for a conscience.
- The Impact on the Indian Creative Economy
On dharmendrakumhar.com, we look at the business behind the art. An Oscar nomination for Homebound would be a massive boost for India’s independent film sector. It proves to streaming giants like Netflix (where the film is currently streaming) that “rooted” Indian stories have a global market. It encourages investors to back directors like Neeraj Ghaywan, who choose substance over stars.
Conclusion: A Moment of Collective Hope
Whether Homebound makes it to the final five on January 22, 2026, or wins the gold on March 15, it has already achieved its goal. It has forced the world to acknowledge the resilience of the Indian spirit during one of its darkest hours.
As Dharmendra Kumhar, I believe that Homebound is the “Homecoming” Indian cinema has been waiting for. It is a film that reminds us that while we may be divided by geography or caste, our dreams of dignity and friendship remain a common language.
What did you think of the performances of Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa? Do you think ‘Homebound’ can beat South Korea’s entry for the trophy? Let’s discuss in the comments!