India has officially picked Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound to represent the country at the 96th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The announcement came after a thorough evaluation by a 12-member selection panel comprising producers, filmmakers, editors, writers, and journalists.

At a press conference held in Kolkata, N. Chandra, chairperson of the selection committee, explained the decision, “It was a very difficult choice. These were films that touched the lives of people,” he said, adding,  “We were not judges but coaches. We were searching for players who have made their mark.”

Standing Ovations Across Global Film Festivals

Homebound has already made waves on the international film circuit, even before its Indian release. The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 in the Un Certain Regard category, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation.

Soon after, the movie was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, earning the second runner-up position for the International People’s Choice Award, along with another standing ovation from the audience.

Following its TIFF success, the filmmakers took to social media to thank viewers for their emotional response. Co-producer Karan Johar reshared the celebratory post on Instagram, saying he was proud of the film’s international recognition.

Plot Based on Real Events

The film is rooted in the true story told in a 2020 New York Times article titled “Taking Amrit Home” by journalist Basharat Peer. The narrative follows the lives of two young men from a marginalised community in North India who dream of becoming police officers—hoping the job will bring them long-denied dignity and social status.

Played by Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter, the characters Chandan Kumar and Mohammed Shoaib Ali—struggle against deeply embedded caste and religious prejudices in society. Their friendship becomes their emotional anchor as they try to escape the systemic oppression around them.

Janhvi Kapoor, who plays a pivotal role in the film, is portrayed as a young woman dealing with similar social barriers.

A Voice from the Cast

Reflecting on her work in the film, Janhvi Kapoor had earlier shared,“I never approached it as a career milestone or a way to gain recognition, as the project felt larger than individual achievements.”

Star Power Behind and In Front of the Camera

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound marks his return to feature filmmaking after a long hiatus since Masaan. The project is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, under the banner of Dharma Productions. Notably, Martin Scorsese is attached as the executive producer, adding global weight to the film.

The official trailer of the movie, nearly three minutes long, introduces the two protagonists calling a police recruitment helpline — symbolic of their yearning for change. As their story unfolds, their resolve is tested by societal pressures, but their friendship keeps them grounded.

India Eyes a Win in Oscars Foreign Film Race

With Homebound, India is hopeful of ending its dry spell at the Oscars in the foreign film category. So far, only three Indian films — Mother India, Lagaan, and Salaam Bombay! — have made it to the final nominations in this category, but none have secured a win.

India’s biggest Oscar victories in recent years came through open-category wins, such as RRR in 2023.

Homebound is scheduled to release in theatres across India on September 26, 2025.