In a move that has left film enthusiasts across India disappointed, the acclaimed drama Homebound has officially exited the race for the 98th Academy Awards. Despite a high-profile campaign and a spot on the prestigious 15-film shortlist, the movie failed to secure a place in the final five nominees for Best International Feature Film, announced early Thursday morning.
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his debut masterpiece Masaan, Homebound was seen as India’s strongest shot at an Oscar in over two decades. The film, which stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, tells a poignant story of two young men from marginalized communities fighting for dignity and survival during the 2020 pandemic.
The project carried significant weight, not just for its powerful storytelling, but for its heavy-hitting backing. Produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and executive-produced by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, the film had all the ingredients of a winner.
While the Academy does not release specific reasons for a film’s exclusion, industry insiders point to an exceptionally competitive year. The final five spots were taken by films from Brazil, France, Norway, Spain, and Tunisia.
Adding to the hurdles, the campaign faced a minor setback earlier this month when lead actor Vishal Jethwa had to step back from promotional activities in Los Angeles, citing personal health reasons. While the team continued to push forward, the sheer momentum of European favorites ultimately crowded out the Indian entry.
Despite the loss, the team remains proud. Producer Karan Johar had previously stated that making the shortlist was a victory in itself, noting that the film was made for “pure passion” rather than commercial gain. Homebound remains the first Indian film since Lagaan (2001) to make it this deep into the Academy’s selection process, a feat that Ghaywan described as a “huge responsibility.”
For many, the film’s failure to secure a nomination is a reminder of how difficult the “Best International Feature” category remains for South Asian cinema. However, the global critical acclaim and the standing ovation it received at its Cannes premiere suggest that Homebound will be remembered long after the awards season ends. To know such latest updates tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
