Highlights:
- Homebound chosen as India’s entry for Best International Feature at 2026 Academy Awards.
- Selection committee chair N Chandra announced the decision in Kolkata.
- 24 films across multiple languages were considered.
- Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla.
- Stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor.
Homebound to represent India at the Oscars
The Hindi film Homebound has been named India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category. The announcement was made on Friday, September 19, by selection committee chairperson N Chandra at a press conference in Kolkata.
Selection process
Chandra said the committee reviewed 24 films in different Indian languages before making its decision. “It was a very difficult choice. These were films that touched the lives of people,” he told reporters. He added, “We were not judges but coaches. We were searching for players who have made their mark.”
The 12-member panel included producers, directors, writers, editors, and journalists.
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About the film
Homebound is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla. The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles.
The story follows two childhood friends from a small village in northern India as they pursue careers in the police force, seeking the dignity and respect long denied to them.
Earlier this year, Homebound won top honors at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025.
