Homebound picked for Oscars 2026 official entry from India

India has announced its official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards, and Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound has secured the spot in the Best International Feature category. The film, produced by Dharma Productions, features Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in leading roles.

Karan Johar, who backed the project, expressed his gratitude after the announcement. “We are deeply honoured and humbled that Homebound has been selected as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards… Neeraj Ghaywan’s labour of love is sure to find a home in a million hearts across the world,” he said.

Director Neeraj Ghaywan also reacted to the recognition, calling it both humbling and an immense responsibility. “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. To take our stories to the world and represent India at one of the biggest global stages for cinema is both humbling and a matter of pride, and for this I’m deeply grateful,” he shared.

Produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, Homebound narrates the story of two childhood friends from a small village in North India. Their dream is to secure jobs in the police force, a path they believe will finally grant them dignity and respect that has long been absent in their lives.

Janhvi Kapoor, one of the leads, had earlier reflected on her experience with the film. She explained that her approach was not shaped by career considerations or recognition. Instead, she saw the project as something bigger than individual milestones.

With its rooted narrative and human themes, Homebound joins the long list of Indian films that have represented the country at the Academy Awards over the years. The film now faces the global journey ahead, as the Academy reviews entries from across the world to decide the nominations for the 2026 ceremony.