It’s Official – Homebound is India’s Submission to the Oscars!

What makes a dream worth chasing when society itself seems to block the way? Homebound (2025) tells a gripping story of friendship, ambition, and harsh realities set against the backdrop of caste, religion, and the pandemic. The film captivated audiences with a rare nine-minute standing ovation at Cannes and was chosen as India’s official Oscar contender—this is the compelling journey behind that acclaim.

Two childhood friends from a small North Indian village, Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter), a Muslim, and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), from a lower caste, dream of becoming police officers. Their ambitions represent a fight for respect and stability denied to them by systemic discrimination. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Dharma Productions, Homebound poignantly depicts their struggles amid societal prejudices and personal setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer, this film explores the protagonists’ battles for dignity amid socio-economic hardship and religious tensions. Their journey amid pandemic lockdowns highlights the harsh realities that millions of migrant workers faced, making the story universally relevant and deeply human.

Homebound premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, India’s sole representative that year. Its emotional depth earned it a rare and powerful nine-minute standing ovation, moving cast and crew alike—including producer Karan Johar, who was seen wiping tears. This moment symbolised international recognition of the film’s raw and authentic storytelling. 

Post-Cannes, Homebound earned the second runner-up spot for the International People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival 2025. Such accolades underscore the film’s universal impact on audiences beyond India, resonating with global themes of injustice, hope, and resilience.

Selected as India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards in 2026, Homebound faced tough competition from films like Pushpa 2 and The Bengal Files. Its candid portrayal of caste and religious discrimination, coupled with the migrant workers’ crisis during the pandemic, impressed the selection committee, showcasing Indian cinema’s nuanced storytelling on the international stage. While the Oscar race results are still awaited, the selection itself is a significant milestone.

Neeraj Ghaywan builds on his acclaimed debut Masaan with careful direction that allows characters to breathe and evolve naturally. Ishaan Khatter’s career-defining portrayal of Shoaib, supported by Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, anchors the film’s emotional core. The minimalist soundtrack and thoughtful editing intensify the intimate, realistic depiction of their journey.

The pandemic deepens the challenges faced by Shoaib and Chandan, who must accept menial jobs, endure communal biases, and face devastating losses. The heart-wrenching conclusion, where Chandan succumbs to illness and Shoaib resolves to honour his friend’s dreams, highlights resilience amid despair and echoes the indomitable spirit of countless youths.

For the Indian diaspora and Australian audiences fascinated by Indian narratives, Homebound offers a stark yet hopeful look at the contemporary social fabric of India. It raises awareness around caste, religious discrimination, and the pandemic’s impact on migrant workers, themes relevant to diaspora communities navigating cultural identity and socio-political challenges abroad.