More than two decades after Lagaan captured global imagination without winning the prize, Indian cinema may finally be standing at the threshold of Oscar history. Independent filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound has emerged as India’s strongest contender yet for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, raising hopes that the long-standing Oscar drought could finally end.
Homebound recently secured a spot on the prestigious 15-film shortlist for Best International Feature Film—an achievement unmatched by any previous Indian entry in this category. The shortlist, introduced by the Academy in 2018, marks a crucial step toward the final nominations, making Homebound the first Indian film ever to reach this stage.
“This moment feels different,” says a senior industry observer. “For once, India’s Oscar entry isn’t just symbolic—it’s competitive.”
A Rare Milestone for Indian Cinema
India’s relationship with the Oscars has been marked by near-misses. Mehboob Khan’s Mother India (1957), Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan (2002) earned nominations but fell short of winning. Since then, India’s official entries have struggled to even make the final five.
When Lagaan earned its nomination, the current shortlist system did not exist, making Homebound’s achievement all the more significant. “The shortlist itself is a filtering of global excellence,” says a film critic based in Los Angeles. “Getting in means the film is already being taken seriously by voters.”
A Film Rooted in Social Reality
Homebound continues Neeraj Ghaywan’s signature exploration of caste, class, and social prejudice through intimate, character-driven storytelling. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, the Hindi-language film focuses on the aspirations and anxieties of young Indians navigating an unequal society.
Ghaywan, who hails from a Marathi Dalit family, has consistently foregrounded marginalised voices in his cinema. His debut feature, Masaan (2015), won two awards at the Cannes Film Festival—the Promising Future Prize and the International Critics’ Prize—cementing his reputation as a vital new voice in world cinema.
“My lived experience informs my storytelling,” Ghaywan has said in past interviews. “Cinema, for me, is about holding up a mirror to society without sensationalism.”
Cannes Premiere and Rising Momentum
Homebound premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May this year, where it quickly generated buzz among international critics and programmers. The film’s Cannes outing proved to be a turning point, strengthening its credentials ahead of India selecting it as the official Oscar entry.
Unlike previous Indian submissions—often marred by internal controversies or limited international outreach—Homebound entered the race with strategic clarity and global backing.
An Oscar Campaign Unlike Any Before
One of Homebound’s biggest strengths lies in its robust Oscar campaign, spearheaded by producer Karan Johar and Dharma Productions. This marks a significant shift from India’s traditionally underpowered awards strategies.
Adding formidable weight to the campaign is legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who joined the project as executive producer and also mentored Ghaywan during pre-production. Scorsese’s involvement has elevated the film’s profile among Academy voters.
“Martin Scorsese hosted a Q&A with me in New York,” Ghaywan revealed while speaking about the campaign. “We had multiple screenings in New York and then continued extensively in Los Angeles for over a month.”
Scorsese’s stature in Hollywood—backed by decades of Oscar recognition—has played a crucial role in drawing attention to Homebound during the critical voting phase.
‘A New Thing’ for Indian Cinema
Ghaywan credits Johar for bringing unprecedented stability to the campaign. “Karan Johar has been a rock for this film,” he says. “This kind of certainty and sustained effort hasn’t happened before. It means a lot for Indian cinema.”
Industry experts agree that this collaboration between an independent filmmaker, a mainstream studio, and a Hollywood legend represents a new blueprint for India’s global ambitions.
Tough Competition, Real Possibility
The shortlist includes strong contenders from Brazil (The Secret Agent), Spain (Sirât), and Iraq (The President’s Cake), alongside multiple films dealing with the Palestinian conflict. Observers note that geopolitical overlap could limit multiple nominations from similar themes, potentially improving Homebound’s chances.
The final five nominations will be announced on January 22, following the shortlist reveal on December 16. The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15.
“If Homebound makes the final five, it will already be a historic achievement,” says a Mumbai-based trade analyst. “But given its narrative strength and campaign muscle, a win no longer feels impossible.”
A Moment of Reckoning
At its core, Homebound tells a deeply Indian story—one about ambition, identity, and resilience. That authenticity, coupled with global craft and serious backing, may finally push Indian cinema across the Oscar finish line.
If Homebound succeeds, it won’t just be a win for one film—it will redefine how India approaches the world’s most prestigious cinematic stage.
