Hindi film Homebound has been chosen as India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category.
At a press conference in Kolkata, selection committee chairperson N. Chandra revealed that 24 films across multiple languages were considered.
“It was a very difficult choice. These were films that touched people’s lives,” he said, adding, “We were not judges but coaches, searching for players who made their mark.”
The 12-member panel included filmmakers, producers, writers, editors, and journalists.
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, Homebound features Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles.
The film follows two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who aspire to secure police jobs as a path to dignity and social recognition.
Reflecting on her experience, Janhvi Kapoor said she never treated the film as a personal milestone.
“There was a collective sense that we were making something bigger than ourselves. At Cannes, when people were moved by it, it didn’t feel like they liked our work — it felt like they connected with something deeply human,” she told Sucharita Tyagi.
Co-star Vishal Jethwa admitted he initially struggled to connect with the film.
“When I first watched it, I couldn’t relate. But at Cannes, the experience was transformative. I stopped caring about reviews after that. Indians are excited to see this film, especially since it’s directed by Masaan’s Neeraj Ghaywan. The way Homebound portrays friendship is rare in cinema,” he said.
The selection comes a year after Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies was chosen as India’s entry to the Oscars, edging out 29 other films.
Produced by Aamir Khan, the film was praised for blending comedy with a social message and won acclaim for its fresh cast and storytelling.
With Homebound, expectations are running high as India once again aims to make its mark on the global stage.