Saga of Cruelty and Courage: India Selects Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ as Official Oscar Entry

The Film Federation of India has selected “Homebound,” directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, as the country’s official submission for the international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards, the organization announced Monday.

The decision marks a significant moment for Ghaywan, whose acclaimed debut “Masaan” won the Camera d’Or and FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes in 2015, as he returns to feature filmmaking after nearly a decade.

“Homebound” was chosen from a competitive field of 24 multilingual films by the Film Federation of India jury. The selection follows last year’s submission of “Laapataa Ladies,” continuing India’s tradition of nominating films that blend social commentary with broad appeal.

The film, which had its world premiere in the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, tells the story of two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who pursue a police job that promises them dignity they’ve been denied.

Based on journalist Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home,” also titled “A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway,” the film explores themes of friendship, systemic inequality, and the pursuit of dignity through institutional respect.

“As they inch closer to their dream, mounting desperation threatens the bond that holds them together,” according to the film’s synopsis. The narrative examines how marginalized communities navigate systems that often exclude them while maintaining hope for social mobility.

The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa in lead roles. Produced by Dharma Productions with backing from Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, the project also features Martin Scorsese as executive producer, adding international credibility to the production.

 The involvement of Martin Scorsese as executive producer and the film’s Cannes pedigree provide strong foundation for an Oscar campaign.

Critical Reception

The film has garnered positive reviews since its Cannes premiere. Variety described it as “tear-jerking and infuriating,” while Screen International called it “Neeraj Ghaywan’s empathetic Indian drama” and noted it “could be an Un Certain Regard breakout.”

Film critic Sucharita Tyagi, writing from Cannes, emphasized that “regardless of what one might feel about this Cannes premiere, Homebound is essential viewing.” She described witnessing “a visibly emotional Neeraj Ghaywan” introducing the film “with an appeal for world peace and harmony” at the Debussy Theatre.

The Hollywood Reporter India praised it as “a stunning portrait of systemic cruelty and defiant courage,” highlighting the director’s ability to balance harsh social realities with human resilience.

Director’s Return

Ghaywan’s selection represents a comeback story for the director, whose debut “Masaan” was widely celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of caste dynamics and social issues in contemporary India. His nearly decade-long absence from feature films has made “Homebound” one of the most anticipated Indian films of 2025.

The director has previously worked on acclaimed projects including the Netflix anthology “Sacred Games” and the film “Geeli Pucchi” for Netflix’s “Ajeeb Daastaans.”

India’s selection of “Homebound” signals the country’s continued commitment to films that address social issues while maintaining international appeal. The involvement of Martin Scorsese as executive producer and the film’s Cannes pedigree provide strong foundation for an Oscar campaign.

The film joins a competitive international field for the 2026 Academy Awards, with the shortlist expected to be announced in December 2025.

Release Plans

“Homebound” is scheduled for theatrical release on September 26, 2025, in India. The timing allows for both domestic box office performance and awards season momentum leading up to the Oscars ceremony in early 2026.

The Film Federation of India’s choice reflects growing confidence in films that combine artistic merit with social relevance, continuing a trend that has seen Indian cinema gain increasing international recognition in recent years.

The selection has been welcomed by industry observers who view “Homebound” as having strong potential for international recognition. The film’s focus on universal themes of friendship and dignity, combined with its specific cultural context, positions it well for global audiences.

Previous Indian Oscar submissions have included critically acclaimed films like “Court” (2015), “Gully Boy” (2019), and “Shantaram” (2023), though none have won in the international feature category since “Mother India” was nominated in 1957.

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2026, with the international feature film category representing one of the most competitive sections of the awards.

This story was aggregated by AI from several news reports and edited by American Kahani’s News Desk.