Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound Shortlisted For Oscars 2026

Neeraj Ghaywan is once again set to represent Indian cinematic excellence, as his drama film Homebound has been shortlisted for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. Producer Karan Johar expressed his pride, calling the film a "labour of love," in a social media post. 

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced shortlists across 12 categories on December 16. In the International Feature Film category, 15 films have advanced, of which five will make the final nominations

Homebound follows the story of two childhood friends from a small village in North India who dream of becoming police officers. As they get closer to securing the job that could change their lives, their bond begins to unravel under the weight of desperation.

Ghaywan described Homebound as “a deeply personal story about friendship, dignity, and survival.”

Homebound earns international acclaim

Earlier this year, Homebound was the only Indian feature film at the Cannes Film Festival, premiering in the Un Certain Regard section. The film received a 9-minute-long standing ovation after the screening, as per the latest update shared by the official X account of Dharma Productions. 

9 minutes of pure love & applause!🤌🏻
Team Homebound receiving all the appreciation at @Festival_Cannes! pic.twitter.com/QFlnw13810

— Dharma Productions (@DharmaMovies) May 21, 2025

This was not Neeraj’s first moment of glory at Cannes. His debut film Masaan, starring Vicky Kaushal and Richa Chadha, also premiered at the festival and went on to win both the Un Certain Regard Special Prize and the FIPRESCI Prize.

The film also premiered in North America at the Toronto International Film Festival 2025 in September in the Gala Presentation category.

Homebound team

Homebound is a collaboration between Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, writer Varun Grover, and producer Somesh Mishra. Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese had come on board as the executive producer for Homebound, ahead of its Cannes premiere.

Speaking of the collaboration with Ghaywan, he shared, “I have seen Neeraj’s first film Masaan in 2015, and I loved it, so when Mélita Toscan du Plantier sent me the project of his second film, I was curious. I loved the story, the culture and was willing to help. Neeraj has made a beautifully crafted film that’s a significant contribution to Indian cinema."