In a cinematic moment that’s turning heads globally, Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ has been chosen to represent India at the 2026 Academy Awards (Oscars) in the Best International Feature Film category. The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor and is backed by Dharma Productions with legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese lending his weight as executive producer. But ‘Homebound’ isn’t just another prestige drama – it’s a visceral portrait of resilience, tracing the emotional fallout of India’s Covid-19 lockdown through the eyes of displaced migrant workers. After earning a standing ovation at Cannes 2025 and clinching second runner-up at Toronto International Film Festival’s (TIFF’s) International People’s Choice Award, the film is now poised for its theatrical release on September 26th. With its raw storytelling and grounded performances, ‘Homebound’ is more than a film – it’s a mirror held up to a nation in flux.
