Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Is India’s Oscar 2025 Entry

India has chosen Neeraj Ghaywan’s powerful Hindi film Homebound as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The Film Federation of India’s selection committee made the announcement after reviewing 24 films, marking a major milestone for Indian cinema.

Starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, Homebound is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and others, with Martin Scorsese serving as executive producer. The film tells the story of two childhood friends from a small village in North India who dream of becoming police constables, hoping the job will bring them dignity and respect long denied by caste and class barriers. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 lockdown, the film also highlights issues of migration, religious divides, and the struggles of marginalized communities.

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Homebound has already made waves internationally. It premiered in the prestigious “Un Certain Regard” section at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, where it received a standing ovation. At the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, it went on to win second runner-up in the International People’s Choice Award, further cementing its global appeal.

The film is set for a theatrical release in India on September 26, 2025. Sharing his pride, director Neeraj Ghaywan said the film is “rooted in the love for our land and our people,” calling its selection humbling and a matter of national pride. Producer Karan Johar described the moment as a “pinch-me experience,” thanking the Film Federation of India for believing in the story.

India has submitted many films to the Oscars over the decades and seen a handful nominated in this category, but the coveted golden statuette has remained elusive. With Homebound now in contention, hopes are high that this moving story of friendship, resilience, and social justice could finally bring the honor home.