It’s not every day that a film sticks with you long, but Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound does just that. The movie has been picked as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2026 in the Best International Feature Film category, and it’s already creating a buzz for its storytelling.
Inspired by Basharat Peer’s long essay in The New York Times, Homebound explores a friendship tragically cut short during the Covid-19 pandemic, Homebound tells the story of people living on the margins. It’s about dreamers who face obstacles at every turn, trying to survive in a society that doesn’t always make it easy.
What is Homebound all about?
After the critically acclaimed Masaan, Ghaywan delivers another film that feels personal. Homebound is a story of two best friends, Chandan Kumar (Vishal Jethwa) and Mohammed Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter), who try to achieve their dreams despite societal prejudices. Their story isn’t just about surviving day-to-day life; it’s about holding onto hope even when the world seems determined to push you down.
Ghaywan lets the characters’ lives and choices speak for themselves in the film, which shows how caste, religion, and social expectations painfully shape the paths people take.
Why Homebound is a must watch?
One of the most striking moments in the film comes when Chandan, a Dalit, decides not to tick the SC/ST category box on official forms. It’s not out of shame for his identity, but because he knows doing so could invite discrimination. Shoaib, meanwhile, faces his own struggles as a Muslim.
The journeys of these two best friends show how social labels can weigh on people’s lives, shaping opportunities and experiences, even when their talent and potential should matter more. Through these narratives, Ghaywan exposes the harsh realities of modern India.
Why Homebound is India’s Oscar pick
Homebound was chosen by the Film Federation of India (FFI) from among 24 submissions this year. The entries included 11 Hindi films, three Telugu films, five Marathi films, one Kannada film, one Manipuri film, and even a silent film. Some commercial hits like Pushpa 2 and Kannaappa faced criticism online for their inclusion over more meaningful cinema.
Interestingly, there were no Malayalam films submitted this year, which came as a surprise for movie buffs. Internationally, Homebound will compete with films like Dr. Biju’s Tok Pisin-language Papa Buka, Papua New Guinea’s first-ever Oscar entry.
Homebound is a film that resonates
With Homebound, Neeraj Ghaywan has shown that cinema doesn’t need huge budgets or star-studded casts to make an impact. Honest storytelling, authentic performances, and social relevance are enough to leave a lasting mark.
Why no Malayalam films this year?
Ravi Kottarakara, president of the FFI’s selection committee, praised the quality of Malayalam cinema but explained why none were submitted for the Oscars this year. “Some Malayalam films could definitely compete internationally. But it’s not enough to just make a good film, you also need the commitment to promote it on a global stage,” he said.