India selects ‘Homebound’ as Oscar entry for international film category

Neeraj Ghaywan’s “Homebound” has been selected as India’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category, chosen unanimously by a 12-member Film Federation of India committee from 24 competing films.
The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, telling the story of two childhood friends—a Muslim and a Dalit—from a small North Indian village who pursue police jobs to gain dignity and respect long denied to them by society.
“Homebound” has already earned international acclaim, receiving a nine-minute standing ovation at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and featuring Martin Scorsese as executive producer alongside Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.
The film is based on a true story from a 2020 New York Times essay by Basharat Peer about migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, marking Ghaywan’s return to directing a decade after his debut “Masaan”.
“Homebound” will release in India on September 26, 2025, as the country hopes to break its challenging Oscar history with only three previous nominations in the international category.

Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s film “Homebound” has been officially selected as India’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, marking a significant moment for Indian cinema on the global stage. The announcement was made Friday by N Chandra, chairperson of the Film Federation of India’s selection committee, at a press conference in Kolkata.newindianexpress

A Unanimous Choice Among Strong Contenders

The 12-member selection committee chose “Homebound” from a competitive slate of 24 films across different Indian languages, including notable entries like the blockbuster “Pushpa 2,” “The Bengal Files,” and “Kesari Chapter 2”. “It was a very difficult choice. These were films that touched the lives of people,” Chandra explained, adding that the committee unanimously selected “Homebound” for its exceptional storytelling and performances.news24online

The film stars Ishaan Khatter as Mohammad Shoaib, a Muslim, and Vishal Jethwa as Chandan Kumar, a Dalit, portraying childhood friends from a small North Indian village who aspire to join the police force as a path to dignity and respect denied to them by society. Janhvi Kapoor also features in a supporting role as Sudha Bharti, a PhD aspirant facing her own societal restrictions.filmfare

International Recognition and Star-Studded Backing

“Homebound” has already garnered significant international acclaim, premiering in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. The film later secured second runner-up honors in the International People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), competing alongside Park Chan-wook’s winning entry “No Other Choice”.indianexpress

The project boasts impressive backing, with Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese serving as executive producer. According to Variety, Scorsese became involved after being introduced to the project by producer Mélita Toscan du Plantier, having previously admired Ghaywan’s debut film “Masaan” from 2015. “I appreciated the story and culture and was eager to assist,” Scorsese stated in announcing his involvement.wikipedia

Story Rooted in Real Events

The film draws inspiration from a 2020 New York Times essay titled “Taking Amrit Home” by journalist Basharat Peer, which recounted the experiences of two migrant workers caught in India’s COVID-19 lockdown. Producer Karan Johar described “Homebound” as “a labour of love sure to find a home in a million hearts across the world”.wikipedia

Director Ghaywan expressed his gratitude for the selection, stating: “I’m deeply honoured that Homebound has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars. Rooted in the love for our land and our people, it carries the essence of the home we all share”.news24online

Challenges and Controversies

The selection comes amid some controversy surrounding the film’s cinematographer Pratik Shah, who has faced sexual misconduct allegations from over 20 women. Ghaywan notably omitted Shah’s name from recent promotional posts about the film, despite Shah being credited in the trailer. Dharma Productions issued a statement clarifying that Shah was a freelancer who worked on the project for a limited period and that no complaints were received during his involvement.indiatimes

Oscar Aspirations

India’s Oscar submission history has been challenging, with only three films receiving nominations in the Best International Feature category: “Mother India” (1957), “Salaam Bombay!” (1988), and “Lagaan” (2001). Last year’s entry, “Laapataa Ladies,” failed to make the Academy’s shortlist of 15 films.variety

“Homebound” is scheduled for theatrical release in India on September 26, 2025. The Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, with the shortlist of 15 finalists to be announced on December 16, 2025.news24online