New Delhi: Indian Oscar dreams dashed again. Neeraj Ghaywan’s powerful drama Homebound, starring Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jehtwa, misses out on the 2026 Oscars shortlist.
Backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, this heartfelt story of friendship amid lockdown struggles had high hopes. But tough global competition ends India’s latest bid – will the long wait since Lagaan continue?
Nomination snub details
Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound failed to secure a spot in the Best International Feature Film shortlist for the 2026 Academy Awards. The Academy announced the five films: Brazil’s The Secret Agent, France’s It Was Just an Accident, Norway’s Sentimental Value, Spain’s Sirât, and Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab. This marks another miss for India, whose last nomination came with Aamir Khan’s Lagaan in 2002.
Imtiaz Ali’s remarks on Homebound’s snub
Indian filmmaker Imtiaz Ali expressed his views on Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound not being nominated for the 98th Academy Awards. He said, ”I think the Hindi film community is very proud of Neeraj and the fact that he has a truly unique voice which the world has acknowledged. I wished Neeraj and Homebound to win all the awards. But I’d like to tell Neeraj that life is very long. The fact that Homebound reached this level is good, but it’s not as though getting an award is the most important thing. I think a lot of people who have been given positivity and hope by the film is the greater achievement that Neeraj has already made.”
Film’s compelling story
Inspired by a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer, Homebound follows two friends from marginalised communities, Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa). Set during India’s COVID-19 lockdown, it shows their fight to survive after losing jobs and struggling to return home in a discriminatory society. Janhvi Kapoor plays a key role in this emotional tale of resilience and brotherhood.
Production and expectations
Produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Adar Poonawalla under Dharma Productions, the film was India’s official entry for the Oscars 2026. It had made the 15-film shortlist earlier, becoming only the fifth Indian film to reach that stage. Director Ghaywan expressed honour at the selection, saying, “I’m deeply honoured that Homebound has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars. Rooted in the love for our land and our people, it carries the essence of the home we all share”.
India’s Oscar history
No Indian feature has won in this category yet. Lagaan remains the closest, nominated 24 years ago. Recent hopes with films like Court and Super Deluxe also faded. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is set for March 15, 2026, hosted by Conan O’Brien.