Oscars 2026: Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa's 'Homebound' shortlisted for Best International Feature Film, Karan Johar and Janhvi Kapoor react

Director Neeraj Ghaywan knows how to create emotions that create a wallop. Just like Masaan, the beauty of his Homebound is how uncomfortable it could be as a watch. It’s a film that chronicles the struggles and sorrows of two men, their shattered and unfulfilled dreams, caste differences, and undying passion for what they aspire for.

The film sheds light on the lives of Shoaib ( Ishaan Khatter), a Muslim, and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), a Dalit, how they aspire to be police trainees and how destiny shackles their spirit. The film is set in a small North Indian village. And the film has added another feather to its cap.

The journey to the Oscars

The Instagram handle of Dharma Productions announced- “Homebound has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. We’re deeply grateful for the extraordinary love and support we’ve received from around the world.” And this was reshared by Janhvi Kapoor.

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Karan Johar reacts

The filmmaker wrote- “I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND… all of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography … thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true… from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film!!!!!!!!! Upwards and onwards…….. #HOMEBOUND streaming now on @netflix_in."

The wave at Cannes 2025

Ghaywan re-shared a series of pictures from the red carpet with the cast and crew, along with a picture with Hollywood filmmaker Spike Lee on Instagram. “Chatted with @officialspikelee! Do The Right Thing, Malcolm X and Blackkklansman have been a huge inspiration to me. His oeuvre is a lesson in talking about oppression through cinema. More power to you, sir!” he wrote.

The film is currently streaming on Netflix.