Homebound Writer Reveals How Oscars Campaign Can Be 'Very Expensive,' Lauds Karan Johar For 'Doing Terrific Job'

Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, took over OTT hours after its release on Netflix. Backed by Dharma Productions with Martin Scorsese as executive

producer, the film follows two best friends, a Muslim and a Dalit, as they chase their dream of becoming cops while navigating caste, religion, love, and survival in a North Indian village. Despite intense campaigning and glorious reviews, the film is out of the Oscars race. Now, the writer, Sumit Roy lauded Karan Johar for his efforts and reflected on how difficult an Oscar campaign can be.

Homebound Writer Opens Up On 'Expensive' Oscar Campaigns

Talking to Hindustan Times, Sumit said, "Running an Oscar campaign is hard, complicated and very, very expensive- sometimes the cost of the campaign is more than the film. It’s always going to be an uphill battle for most Indian films. But I have to say Karan and Dharma have done a terrific job, moved heaven and earth to get us the best chance possible! I don’t think we could have done anything more."

Further, he added, "In the international category, you’re competing against around 90 of the best films from around the world. The first big challenge is to get the attention of Academy voters and get them to watch your film before you can even get them to vote. That’s where a good festival run can create a buzz and awareness for your film that can get them to lean in and give your film their time."

More About Homebound

"We have one of the biggest film industries, our country is an ocean of stories, and we have world-class technicians and filmmakers. Oscars & festival nominations help open up our cinema to more people globally. We need producers and stars who are ready to back good stories and good filmmakers, we need more producers who support brave, independent creativity – and create an ecosystem that promotes distinctive indie voices – and the international recognition will follow," concluded the writer.

Homebound is currently streaming on OTT giant Netflix.