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What is the story about?
India’s official entry to the 98th Academy Awards, ‘Homebound’, has failed to secure a nomination to the Best International Feature Film category, ending the nation’s hopes of receiving the coveted honour in 2026.
Despite making it to the shortlist earlier in the race, the Neeraj Ghaywan drama did not reach the prestigious final list of five when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the final nominees on January 22.
The film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, attracted significant worldwide attention after being selected as India's official entry and placed in the top 15 shortlist for the Best Worldwide Feature Film category.
The nominated ones in the Best International Feature Film category are The Secret Agent (Brazil), It Was Just an Accident (France), Sentimental Value (Norway), Sir Perez (Spain), and The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia).
Producer Karan Johar, whose Dharma Productions supported the movie, wrote a heartfelt note to Neeraj Ghaywan on Instagram, saying, “Proud!!!! Love you neeraj.ghaywan for allowing us to bask in your light!”
With appreciation, Ghaywan responded, “Thank you, karanjohar! You have been an absolute rock. Couldn’t have come this far without you. Love you!”
In the 98-year history of the Academy Awards, only four Indian films have made it to the shortlist and only three of them - Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2002) - went on to get final nominations. In 2021, Pan Nalin's Chhello Show was shortlisted but failed to secure the final spot, like Homebound.
Also read: Who was Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya — the Param Vir Chakra hero Varun Dhawan plays in 'Border 2'
The nation made significant progress with RRR's song 'Naatu Naatu' winning Best Original Song, but an Oscar in a film category remains a dream.
About ‘Homebound’
Homebound, produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Adar Poonawalla of Dharma Productions, is based on a 2020 New York Times story by Basharat Peer. The movie chronicles the tale of two friends, Shoaib and Chandan, who come from underprivileged backgrounds and struggle to fit in with a society that is plagued by institutionalised discrimination.
The story follows them as they search for ways to return home after losing their job during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Janhvi Kapoor lends an emotional depth to the narrative. It explores friendship, responsibility, and the challenges that young India faces. The movie made its Netflix premiere on November 21 and has received positive reviews from several film festivals and honours.
Despite making it to the shortlist earlier in the race, the Neeraj Ghaywan drama did not reach the prestigious final list of five when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the final nominees on January 22.
The film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, attracted significant worldwide attention after being selected as India's official entry and placed in the top 15 shortlist for the Best Worldwide Feature Film category.
The nominated ones in the Best International Feature Film category are The Secret Agent (Brazil), It Was Just an Accident (France), Sentimental Value (Norway), Sir Perez (Spain), and The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia).
Producer Karan Johar, whose Dharma Productions supported the movie, wrote a heartfelt note to Neeraj Ghaywan on Instagram, saying, “Proud!!!! Love you neeraj.ghaywan for allowing us to bask in your light!”
With appreciation, Ghaywan responded, “Thank you, karanjohar! You have been an absolute rock. Couldn’t have come this far without you. Love you!”
In the 98-year history of the Academy Awards, only four Indian films have made it to the shortlist and only three of them - Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2002) - went on to get final nominations. In 2021, Pan Nalin's Chhello Show was shortlisted but failed to secure the final spot, like Homebound.
Also read: Who was Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya — the Param Vir Chakra hero Varun Dhawan plays in 'Border 2'
The nation made significant progress with RRR's song 'Naatu Naatu' winning Best Original Song, but an Oscar in a film category remains a dream.
About ‘Homebound’
Homebound, produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Adar Poonawalla of Dharma Productions, is based on a 2020 New York Times story by Basharat Peer. The movie chronicles the tale of two friends, Shoaib and Chandan, who come from underprivileged backgrounds and struggle to fit in with a society that is plagued by institutionalised discrimination.
The story follows them as they search for ways to return home after losing their job during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Janhvi Kapoor lends an emotional depth to the narrative. It explores friendship, responsibility, and the challenges that young India faces. The movie made its Netflix premiere on November 21 and has received positive reviews from several film festivals and honours.
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