Ishaan Khatter’s Homebound has reached the Oscar shortlist for 2026. Karan Johar excited
Homebound, representing India, has been selected as one of 15 films competing for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. The movie, helmed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar, is now nearer to the final Oscar nominations
Homebound, helmed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar, has made the shortlist for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The movie,featuring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, was India’s official submissionfor the Oscars. Karan Johar and Neeraj Ghaywan shared their excitement as their moviereached the shortlist.
On Tuesday, The Academy revealed the nominees for 12 categories. For the Best International Feature Film award,atotalof 15 films have been shortlisted. Out of these 15 films, five will be selected for the final nominations, with an announcement date of January 22.
India’s Homebound is among the finalists with Argentina’s Belen, Brazil’s The Secret Agent, France’s It Was Just an Accident, Germany’s Sound of Falling, Iraq’s The President’s Cake, Japan’s Kokuho, Jordan’s All That’s Left of You, Norway’s Sentimental Value, Palestine’s Palestine 36, South Korea’s No Other Choice, Spain’s Sirat, Switzerland’s Late Shift, Taiwan’s Left-Handed Girl, and Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab
Karan Johar ecstaticabout Homebound’s Oscar journey
Producer Karan Johar was thrilledby the announcement of Homebound’sinclusionon the Oscar shortlist. In sharing the poster for the film, he expressed that he findsithard to put his emotionsintowords and feelsimmensejoyabout this accomplishment.
His messagestated, “Homebound has been nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.” Wearetrulythankfulfor the incredible affection and assistance we’ve gotten from all over the globe (sic).
“I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND all of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography,” Karan wrote on Instagram.
He added, “Thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film!!!!!!!!! Upwards and onwards.. #HOMEBOUND streaming now on @netflix_in (sic).”
Director Neeraj Ghaywan reacts
Director Neeraj Ghaywan expressed his happiness by sharing the poster of his creation on his social media.
“#Homebound has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards! @TheAcademy. We’re deeply grateful for the extraordinary love and support we’ve received from around the world. (sic),” he posted on his social media page.
What is Homebound all about?
The story of Homebound revolves around two childhood friends, Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), who aspire to become a police officer. However, neither the system nor the societal structure make their journey easy.
It is an emotional story that explores friendship, duty and the pressure that young Indians face because of oppression, class and economic issues.
Homebound is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra and co-produced by Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier, along with Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar acting as the Executive Producers.
The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and was also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Homebound is currently streaming on Netflix.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Bharatiya News staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
