**Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ Selected as India’s Official Entry for Oscars 2026**
*By Isha Sharma | Sep 19, 2025*
Neeraj Ghaywan’s film *Homebound* has been chosen as India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category. The announcement was made by the Film Federation of India on Friday.
### The Selection Process
A total of 24 films across various languages were considered for this prestigious honor. *Homebound* was selected over notable contenders such as *I Want to Talk*, *Jugnuma*, *The Bengal Files*, *Pushpa 2*, and *Kesari: Chapter 2*.
The selection committee comprised 12 members, including producers, directors, writers, editors, and journalists. N Chandra, the chairperson of the selection committee, remarked, “It was a very difficult choice. These were films that touched the lives of people. We were not judges but coaches. We were searching for players who have made their mark.”
Other films in contention included *Superboys of Malegaon*, *Tanvi the Great*, and *Phule*.
### About *Homebound*
Produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, *Homebound* stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles. The film narrates the story of two childhood friends from a small village in North India who aspire to join the police force—a profession that promises them the dignity they have long been denied.
*Homebound* is set for theatrical release on September 26.
### Reactions from the Makers
Expressing his gratitude, producer Karan Johar said, “We are deeply honored and humbled that *Homebound* has been selected as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. Neeraj Ghaywan’s labour of love is sure to find a home in a million hearts across the world.”
Director Neeraj Ghaywan added, “To take our stories to the world and represent India at one of the biggest global stages for cinema is both humbling and a matter of pride, and for this, I am extremely grateful.”
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Stay tuned for more updates on *Homebound* and India’s journey to the Oscars 2026.
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