India’s Official Entry
Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound to Represent India at Oscars 2026: India has selected Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound as its official entry for the 98th Academy Awards under the Best International Feature Film category. The announcement was made in Kolkata by veteran filmmaker N. Chandra, who chaired the 12-member jury that reviewed 24 strong contenders from across Indian cinema. The committee unanimously praised the film for its emotional depth and cultural resonance.
Static GK fact: The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, were first held in 1929 in Los Angeles.
Story and Themes
The film is based on journalist Basharat Peer’s article “Taking Amrit Home”, and explores themes of friendship, caste, communal identity, and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. It narrates the journey of two childhood friends—one Muslim, one Dalit—who dream of dignity through joining the police force, only to face harsh social realities and tragedy.
Static GK Tip: Neeraj Ghaywan’s debut film Masaan (2015) won the FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes.
Recognition at Global Festivals
Homebound premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 in the Un Certain Regard section, earning a nine-minute standing ovation. It later became the second runner-up at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in the People’s Choice category. The film also won Best Film and Best Director at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).
Static GK fact: TIFF’s People’s Choice Award has often predicted Oscar-winning films like Slumdog Millionaire and The King’s Speech.
Strong Creative Team
The film is co-produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, with lead roles played by Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese served as Executive Producer, mentoring the team during script development and post-production. Scorsese lauded the project as a significant contribution to Indian cinema.
Static GK fact: Martin Scorsese won the Academy Award for Best Director in 2007 for The Departed.
Significance for Indian Cinema
Neeraj Ghaywan’s work has consistently spotlighted marginalised voices and social hierarchies. The selection of Homebound underscores India’s growing recognition at the global stage for authentic, non-formulaic storytelling. While India has celebrated Oscar wins in categories like Best Original Song for RRR and Slumdog Millionaire, no Indian film has yet won the Best International Feature Film award.
Static GK fact: India’s first submission to the Oscars was Mother India (1957), which was also the country’s first nomination.
India’s Track Record at the Oscars
So far, only three Indian films have been nominated in the Best International Feature Film category:
- Mother India (1957) by Mehboob Khan
- Salaam Bombay! (1988) by Mira Nair
- Lagaan (2001) by Ashutosh Gowariker
Though Deepa Mehta’s Water was also nominated, it represented Canada. The Oscars 2026, scheduled for March 15, 2026, will be closely watched as India hopes for its first victory in this prestigious category.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound to Represent India at Oscars 2026:
| Topic | Detail |
| Film Title | Homebound |
| Director | Neeraj Ghaywan |
| India’s Entry For | Best International Feature Film, Oscars 2026 |
| Producers | Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla |
| Executive Producer | Martin Scorsese |
| Lead Actors | Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, Janhvi Kapoor |
| Inspiration | “Taking Amrit Home” by Basharat Peer |
| Festival Premiere | Cannes 2025 (Un Certain Regard) |
| Indian Jury Chairperson | N. Chandra |
| Oscars Date | March 15, 2026 |
