In a proud moment for Indian cinema, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Hindi drama Homebound has been selected as India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards. The announcement was made in Kolkata on Friday by Film Federation of India president Firdausul Hasan, confirming the film’s place on the global stage.
A Star-Studded Cast and Release Date
Homebound features Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in pivotal roles. Produced by Dharma Productions, the film is supported by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Martin Scorsese serving as executive producer. The film is set to release in Indian theatres on September 26, 2025, following a trailer launch on September 22.
The film has already garnered international acclaim, with screenings at prestigious festivals including Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). At Cannes, Homebound premiered in the Un Certain Regard section and received a nine-minute standing ovation, highlighting its emotional depth and sensitive storytelling. At TIFF, it was named second runner-up for the International People’s Choice Award, earning another standing ovation from the audience. The filmmakers and producers celebrated the reception on social media, emphasizing the global appreciation for the film.
Storyline: Ambition, Friendship, and Social Challenges
Based on the 2020 New York Times article Taking Amrit Home, Homebound follows two childhood friends, Chandan Kumar Valmiki (Vishal Jethwa) and Mohammed Shoaib Ali (Ishaan Khatter), navigating caste and religious biases in rural India while aspiring to join the police force. Their journey of friendship and perseverance intersects with Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Sudha Bharti, whose struggles mirror the systemic obstacles around them. The narrative also addresses the migrant exodus during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding contemporary relevance to the story.
The trailer captures the essence of resilience and human connection, portraying the protagonists’ emotional struggles and their determination to overcome societal barriers. The story explores themes of ambition, adversity, and loyalty, offering a socially engaged drama that resonates both locally and internationally.
A Star-Studded Cast and Release Date
Homebound features Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in pivotal roles. Produced by Dharma Productions, the film is supported by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Martin Scorsese serving as executive producer. The film is set to release in Indian theatres on September 26, 2025, following a trailer launch on September 22.
The film has already garnered international acclaim, with screenings at prestigious festivals including Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). At Cannes, Homebound premiered in the Un Certain Regard section and received a nine-minute standing ovation, highlighting its emotional depth and sensitive storytelling. At TIFF, it was named second runner-up for the International People’s Choice Award, earning another standing ovation from the audience. The filmmakers and producers celebrated the reception on social media, emphasizing the global appreciation for the film.
Storyline: Ambition, Friendship, and Social Challenges
Based on the 2020 New York Times article Taking Amrit Home, Homebound follows two childhood friends, Chandan Kumar Valmiki (Vishal Jethwa) and Mohammed Shoaib Ali (Ishaan Khatter), navigating caste and religious biases in rural India while aspiring to join the police force. Their journey of friendship and perseverance intersects with Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Sudha Bharti, whose struggles mirror the systemic obstacles around them. The narrative also addresses the migrant exodus during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding contemporary relevance to the story.
The trailer captures the essence of resilience and human connection, portraying the protagonists’ emotional struggles and their determination to overcome societal barriers. The story explores themes of ambition, adversity, and loyalty, offering a socially engaged drama that resonates both locally and internationally.
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