Highlights:
- Homebound not nominated for Best International Feature Film at Oscars 2026
- Last Indian film to get an Oscar nomination was Lagaan in 2002
- Story follows two friends navigating systemic discrimination during the COVID-19 lockdown
- Produced by Dharma Productions’ Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Adar Poonawalla
- Legal plagiarism claims against the film have been denied as baseless by the makers
India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Oscars, Homebound, has missed out on a nomination. The announcement ends hopes of securing India’s first Oscar nod in over two decades, the last time being Aamir Khan’s Lagaan in 2002.
Produced by Dharma Productions’ Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Adar Poonawalla, Homebound is based on a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer. The film follows two friends, Shoaib and Chandan, who come from marginalized backgrounds and struggle to survive in a society plagued by systemic discrimination. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 lockdown, the story shows how they lose their livelihoods, face uncertainty, and ultimately find ways to return home.
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The film stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in lead roles, portraying the challenges and resilience of individuals navigating social inequities. With its focus on real-life struggles, Homebound was considered a strong contender for the international category, yet it did not secure a nomination. This year, the films that made it to the shortlist include The Secret Agent (Brazil), It Was Just an Accident (France), Sentimental Value (Norway), Sirât (Spain), and The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia).
Karan Johar had earlier spoken about the challenges of campaigning for an Oscar. He described it as a “bottomless pit” and an “uphill task,” given the extensive resources required for global screenings, publicity, and media outreach. Despite these challenges, the team behind Homebound focused on the project as a labor of passion rather than profit. “It was never a money-making exercise,” Johar said, emphasizing that the film’s primary goal was credibility and creative fulfillment.
The film also faced legal scrutiny prior to its Oscars submission. Journalist-turned-author Puja Changoiwala filed a lawsuit claiming that the film plagiarized her 2021 novel of the same name. Dharma Productions responded promptly, calling the allegations “baseless and unfounded” and clarifying that Homebound was an officially licensed adaptation of Basharat Peer’s article, with all rights lawfully acquired and due credit given.
While missing out on the Oscar nomination is disappointing, Homebound has already generated international attention and critical acclaim. Its inclusion as India’s official entry underscores the increasing ambition of Indian filmmakers to tell socially relevant stories that resonate globally.
The Oscars 2026 will be held on March 16, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, hosted by Conan O’Brien. Although India’s bid fell short this year, the journey of Homebound highlights the country’s growing presence in global cinema and sets the stage for future entries to make a stronger mark on the Academy Awards.
