Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ has been named India’s official entry to the Oscars 2026. The announcement, made in Kolkata on Friday, ended weeks of speculation over which film would represent India at the Academy Awards. Headlined by Vishal Jethwa, Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, Homebound is backed by Dharma Productions and is slated for a theatrical release across India on September 26.
Responding to it, the film’s director said, “I am deeply honoured that Homebound has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars. Rooted in the love for our land and our people, it carries the essence of the home we all share. 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.”
Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, selection committee chairperson N Chandra said a total of 24 films in different languages were in contention for representing the country at the Oscars. “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,” he said.
The 12-member selection committee comprised producers, directors, writers, editors and journalists.
“We are deeply honoured 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 a find a home in a million hearts across the world,” Dharma Productions’ head and producer Karan Johar said.
Homebound portrays the story of two childhood friends from a small north Indian village who chase a police job that promises them the dignity they have long been denied.