Ishaan Khattar's 'Homebound' Shortlisted for 2026 Oscars

The film 'Homebound', starring Ishaan Khattar and directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Oscars. This significant achievement has sparked excitement in the Indian film industry, with producer Karan Johar and director Ghaywan expressing their joy. The film tells the poignant story of two friends aspiring to become police officers while facing societal challenges. With its world premiere at Cannes and positive reception at Toronto, 'Homebound' is now streaming on Netflix, and anticipation builds for the final nominations announcement on January 22nd.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 12:13 IST

Major Oscar Contender

The film 'Homebound', featuring Ishaan Khattar, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, has made significant strides in the race for the 2026 Academy Awards. Under the direction of Neeraj Ghaywan, this film has been selected as one of the contenders in the Best International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards. As India's official submission, 'Homebound' is now among the 15 films vying for a spot in the final five nominations. On Tuesday, the Academy unveiled the shortlists across 12 categories, and the inclusion of 'Homebound' has generated excitement within the Indian film community. This achievement brings the film closer to the prestigious Oscars, with final nominations set to be revealed on January 22nd.

Karan Johar's Emotional Response

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Karan Johar expresses his happiness.
Film producer Karan Johar expressed deep emotions upon learning about 'Homebound's' achievement. He shared the film's poster on social media, stating that articulating this journey is challenging. From its debut at the Cannes Film Festival to being shortlisted for the Oscars, this moment stands out as one of the highlights of his career. Johar praised director Neeraj Ghaywan and extended his gratitude to the entire cast and crew for their contributions.

Director Neeraj Ghaywan's Reaction

Director Neeraj Ghaywan also reacts.
Neeraj Ghaywan shared his joy regarding this milestone, emphasizing that the global appreciation for 'Homebound' is its greatest asset. He believes the film transcends mere storytelling, representing the aspirations of numerous young individuals striving to achieve their dreams amidst societal and systemic challenges.

Plot Overview of 'Homebound'

What is the story of 'Homebound'?
'Homebound' narrates the journey of two childhood friends, Shoaib and Chandan, who aspire to become police officers. Their path is fraught with challenges, including social discrimination, economic hardships, and systemic barriers. The film sensitively explores themes of friendship, duty, and the societal pressures faced by youth, marking a significant representation of Indian cinema on the global stage.

Film's Reception and Future Prospects

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The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and received positive feedback at the Toronto International Film Festival. 'Homebound' features notable figures such as Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Martin Scorsese serving as an executive producer. Currently available for streaming on Netflix, all eyes are on January 22nd to see if 'Homebound' secures a place in the final Oscar nominations.

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