Acclaimed Indian drama Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan (Masaan), has been officially selected as India’s entry for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards®. The announcement marks a major milestone for the film, which has already generated global buzz following premieres at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals.
Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, the film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla and Apoorva Mehta under the Dharma Productions banner. Homebound is scheduled for its UK release on 26th September 2025, with international distribution handled by PHARS Film and Moviegoers Entertainment.
From Cannes to Toronto: A Festival Journey
Homebound had its World Premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the respected Un Certain Regard section, where it was praised for its powerful storytelling and moving performances. It went on to secure further acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), finishing as Second Runner-Up for the International People’s Choice Award.
The film’s international momentum has been further bolstered by the involvement of legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who serves as Executive Producer, underscoring the project’s cinematic scale and global ambition.
Producer Karan Johar expressed his pride in the selection:
“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 find a home in a million hearts across the world.”
Director Neeraj Ghaywan added:
“Rooted in the love for our land and our people, Homebound carries the essence of the home we all share. To represent India at one of the biggest global stages for cinema is humbling and a matter of immense pride.”
The film tells the story of two childhood friends from rural North India who dream of becoming policemen. Their journey is marked by challenges of caste and religious discrimination, as they attempt to escape deeply entrenched societal roles. Alongside them, Janhvi Kapoor’s character navigates her own struggle against restrictions imposed on women, adding another layer to the film’s exploration of systemic prejudice and resilience.
With its global release set for 26th September 2025, Homebound is positioned to capture audiences worldwide. The official trailer, now released, offers a glimpse at the sweeping, emotional drama at the heart of the film. Watch it here:
As India’s official Oscar entry and with growing acclaim on the international stage, Homebound is shaping up to be one of the most significant films of the year, blending authentic storytelling with global cinematic vision.
