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What is the story about?
India’s
Homebound will be competing with Bangladesh’s Barir Naam Shahana (A House Named Shahana) at the 98th Academy Awards in 2026 under the best international feature film category. Directed by Leesa Gazi, the film premiered at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023 in the South Asia Competition, where it won the Film Critics Guild Gender Sensitivity Award.
Bangladesh's official entry to Oscars 2026
Barir Naam Shahana is based on Leesa’s 2011 novella. The Bangladeshi film is set in the 90s. The story follows Dipa. She is a young woman, who is forced into a marriage with a widower in England. Dipa returns home after enduring abuse. As a divorcee, she confronts the patriarchal norms of her community while aspiring to become a doctor. Barir Naam Shahana is her journey from enduring torture to leading a self-determined life.ALSO READ: Vishal Jethwa On Homebound Reaching Oscars 2026: Ummeed Hai Deserving Film Ko Award Mile | ExclusiveAbout A House Named Shahana
Aanon Siddiqua plays the role of Dipa. Lutfur Rahman George, Iresh Zaker, Kazi Ruma, Kamrunnahar Munni, Mugdhota Morshed Wriddhi, Amirul Haque Chowdhury, Naila Azad, Arif Islam, Naimur Rahman Apon and Jayanto Chattopadhyay join her in the film.India's official entry to Oscars 2026
India has sent Homebound to the Oscars 2026. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, the film is inspired by the New York Times 2020 essay Taking Amrit Home. It is the story of Mohammed Shoaib Ali (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan Kumar Valmiki (Vishal Jethwa) from Mapur. The fire within them to battle societal prejudices leads them to a crossroad where friendship, love and equality are tested.Do you find this article useful?
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