India’s official entry for the Oscars 2026 is finally out! After a while of speculations about what India’s pick might be for this prestigious nomination. Yesterday it was officially announced that Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Jahnvi Kapoor, was chosen to represent India at the Academy Awards next year. The film is scheduled for its theatrical release on September 26, 2025. Read on to know more.
Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Chosen As India’s Official Entry For Oscars 2026
A 12-member selection committee led by chairperson N. Chandra announced their decision yesterday at a press conference in Kolkata. The chairperson revealed that the choice was not easy, as the members wanted to choose a film that touched people’s lives. The film will be submitted as India’s official entry in the Oscars 2026’s Best International Film Category.
Reactions
Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), director Neeraj Ghaywan shared the happy news by posting, “OMG!! This is real! Homebound is India’s official entry to compete for the Best International Feature at th 98th Academy awards!!”
Homebound’s producer and Dharma Production head Karan Johar expressed his gratitude by posting on Instagram His caption read, “One of the “pinch me” moments that I will NEVER forget!!!! Extremely honoured, humbled and ecstatic that our film #Homebound is selected as India’s official entry for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards! Our deepest gratitude to the @filmfederationofindia to believe in the story, in us and what we can bring to the world stage for Indian cinema. Heartiest congratulations to the entire team”
The film’s cast, including Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Jahnvi Kapoor, also took to social media to react to this news.
About Homebound
First premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, Homebound follows the story of two childhood friends, Chandan and Shoaib, who dream of joining the police force as constables. Their journey highlights the social evils in society, and their perseverance in overcoming caste and religious bias to create a better future for themselves and their families.