Oscar Shortlist: Why Homebound Is a Big Moment for Indian Cinema

Indian cinema is back in the Oscar conversation, and this time, history is within reach. Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound has entered the prestigious Oscar shortlist for Best International Feature Film, placing India among the final 15 contenders for the 98th Academy Awards. It’s a rare breakthrough, and one that could redefine India’s standing at the world’s most influential film stage.

Homebound has advanced to the Oscar shortlist for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. From 86 country submissions, only 15 films made it to this stage, putting India firmly back in the global awards race.

How rare is this achievement for Indian cinema?

Extremely rare. In the 98-year history of the category, Homebound is only the fifth Indian film to reach the shortlist. Just three Indian films—Mother India, Salaam Bombay! and Lagaan—have previously gone on to secure nominations.

What is Homebound about?

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound follows childhood friends Shoaib and Chandan from a small North Indian village who dream of joining the police force to gain dignity, stability and respect. Their journey tests friendship, ambition and identity in a society shaped by class and circumstance.

What inspired the film?

The story draws from journalist Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times essay Taking Amrit Home, which chronicled the real-life ordeal of two migrant friends during India’s COVID-19 lockdown. The film transforms that lived reality into an intimate, emotionally grounded narrative.

Why did the Film Federation of India select Homebound?

The Film Federation of India named Homebound as India’s official Oscar entry in September 2025, citing its strong storytelling, global relevance and festival pedigree. The film premiered at Cannes and screened at Toronto and Melbourne, building steady international momentum.

Who are the key cast and creators?

The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, and marks Neeraj Ghaywan’s return to feature filmmaking after Masaan. Ghaywan’s restrained, humanist storytelling has been widely praised for balancing social realism with emotional depth.

But why is the film facing plagiarism allegations?

Journalist and author Puja Changoiwala recently alleged that the movie had plagiarised parts of her 2021 novel of the same name, and dealing with the same subject, including "scenes, dialogue, narrative structure, sequence of events, and other creative expressions." Dharma Production has, however, denied the allegations. In a media statement it underlined that the film is a licensed adaptation of Basharat Peer's NYT article, with lawfully acquired rights and due credits.

What happens next in the Oscar race?

Academy members from all branches will now watch the 15 shortlisted films and vote to select five final nominees, to be announced on January 22, 2026. The awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles.

Who is Homebound competing against?

The shortlist includes films from France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Norway, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Jordan, Iraq and Palestine, making it one of the most competitive international line-ups in recent years.

Why does this moment matter beyond awards?

Homebound’s success signals growing global confidence in Indian stories told with authenticity rather than spectacle. It reflects a shift toward intimate, socially rooted narratives that travel across borders—without losing their cultural specificity.

Could Homebound make Oscar history?

Yes. If nominated—and especially if it wins—Homebound would become the first Indian-produced film to win Best International Feature Film, a milestone India has never crossed despite decades of global acclaim.

(yMedia is the content partner for this story)