Vishal Jethwa Reacts To Homebound's Oscars 2026 Exit: 'Thoda Expectations Toh Thi'

Vishal Jethwa has reacted to Homebound’s exit from the Oscars 2026 race. In a recent interview, the actor, who plays the role of Chandan in the Neeraj Ghaywan directorial, shared that the film will remain

very special for him and that he will be forever ‘grateful’ to be a part of this project. The young actor admitted that even though he had some expectations, the exit from the final list of nominations did not disappoint him.

“While we didn’t make the final nominations, being shortlisted among the final 15 films is an honour in itself. Seeing Homebound travel this far and represent India globally has been incredibly special. I will forever be grateful to have been part of this film,” Vishal told Hindustan Times.

“Even though we say that we should not expect anything, but ab jab itna aage aa gaye the to thoda expectations to thi. No matter how many people saw the film, they liked it and called it a strong story and that in itself feels like an achievement,” the actor added.

Talking about his experience of working on this project and then promoting it for Oscars, Vishal stated, “Iss film ka poore experience ne, chaahe wo shooting ho ya campaigning ho, ya film festivals attend karna ho, isne mukhe bohot badla hai. This has been a liberating experience for me.”

“I have been able to understand myself better and I have gained this confidence. Sometimes I worry about losing this confidence once all of this is over and whatever I have learnt and built as a person shouldn’t go away,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Homebound has not secured a nomination in the Best International Feature Film category for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. The nominations were announced on Thursday, when it was revealed that Homebound is now out of the race. Films nominated in the category are The Secret Agent, It Was Just An accident, Sentimental Value, Sirat and The Voice Of Hind Rajab.

If Homebound had secured a nomination, it would have become the first Indian film in 25 years after ‘Lagaan’ to be nominated in this category. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film stars Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter in the lead. Janhvi Kapoor also plays a key role in the movie. The film is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. It is also backed by Martin Scorsese as executive producer.