India’s official submission for the 98th Academy Awards has been confirmed. The film Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, has been unanimously selected by the jury as the country’s entry in the Best International Feature Film category.
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound is a Hindi-language drama adapted from a New York Times essay by Basharat Peer. The narrative revolves around two childhood friends from a rural North Indian village who aspire to become police officers, navigating societal discrimination, caste-based challenges, and communal tensions.
The film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section and was also showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it secured the second runner-up position in the International People’s Choice Award. The accolades have positioned Homebound as a strong contender for international recognition.
According to the Film Federation of India, Homebound was selected from a competitive pool of 24 films spanning various Indian languages. Notable contenders included Pushpa 2, The Bengal Files, and Kesari Chapter 2. The committee cited the film’s “powerful storytelling and social relevance” as key factors in its unanimous selection.
Reacting to the announcement, producer Karan Johar described it as a “pinch-me moment” and expressed gratitude to the jury for recognizing the film. Director Neeraj Ghaywan called it an honor to represent Indian cinema on a global stage, while lead actors Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor conveyed their pride in being part of a project “bigger than themselves.”
The selection of Homebound underscores India’s increasing focus on films that highlight social issues while appealing to international audiences. Experts suggest that submissions like this reflect a shift from purely commercial cinema to storytelling that resonates universally.
The film is scheduled for theatrical release on 26 September 2025, and anticipation is building among audiences and critics alike. With Homebound now representing India at the Oscars, industry observers will closely watch its journey on the global stage.
