HOMEBOUND

Earns Oscars Shortlist Recognition Marking a Defining Moment for Contemporary Indian Cinema

- By Giselle Gunewardene

Homebound has emerged as one of the most significant Indian films on the global stage this year after being shortlisted for the Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.

The recognition places the film among a select group of fifteen titles from around the world and marks a moment of pride for Indian cinema. More than an awards milestone, the shortlisting reflects the growing international appetite for Indian stories that are rooted in local realities yet universal in emotion.

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound is a deeply human drama that examines ambition, friendship, and the quiet pressures of social hierarchy in contemporary India. The film follows two childhood friends from a small town who dream of joining the police force in search of stability, dignity, and a sense of belonging. Their journey is shaped by systemic barriers, economic hardship, and the weight of expectations imposed by society. Through their story, Homebound offers a restrained but powerful commentary on aspiration and inequality.

The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in pivotal roles. Vishal Jethwa plays Chandan, a young man driven by the belief that a government job will offer security and respect in a world that constantly reminds him of his limitations. Ishaan Khatter portrays Shoaib, his closest friend, whose ambitions are complicated by identity and circumstance. Janhvi Kapoor appears in a supporting role that adds emotional depth and balance to the narrative. Together, the cast delivers performances that are subtle, grounded, and emotionally resonant.