India has chosen Neeraj Ghaywan’s Hindi feature film ‘Homebound’ as its official submission for the Best International Feature category at the 2026 Academy Awards. This significant announcement was made by N Chandra, chairperson of the selection committee, during a press conference in Kolkata on Friday, September 19, 2025.
Chandra highlighted the rigorous selection process, noting that a total of 24 films across various languages were strong contenders for representing the nation on the global stage. He described the decision as a “very difficult choice,” emphasizing that all nominated films deeply resonated with people’s lives. “We saw ourselves not merely as judges, but as coaches, seeking out players who had truly distinguished themselves,” he added.
‘Homebound’ has already received critical acclaim, including top honors at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025, further solidifying its potential as an international standout. The film is helmed by director Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla. It features a talented ensemble cast including Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in pivotal roles.
The narrative of ‘Homebound’ intricately weaves the tale of two lifelong friends from a humble North Indian village who embark on a challenging journey to secure a police job—a pursuit that promises not just employment, but the dignity they have long aspired to achieve.
For a deeper dive into the film’s themes and production, you can watch the official trailer here: