Filmmaker Karan Johar expressed immense joy as his production, Homebound, moves a step closer to the Oscars. The film has been shortlisted in the International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards, advancing to the next round of voting.
Sharing his excitement on social media, Johar 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."
He also extended a special note of gratitude to director Neeraj Ghaywan: "@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."
According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, is among the 15 films now eligible for final nominations in the International Feature Film category at the 2026 Oscars. "Fifteen films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards. Films from 86 countries or regions were eligible in the category," stated the AMPAS website.
Homebound has been shortlisted alongside films such as Argentina's Belen, Brazil's The Secret Agent, France's It Was Just an Accident, and Germany's Sound of Falling. The film follows childhood friends Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), whose shared dream of joining the police force shapes their lives, with Janhvi Kapoor providing emotional depth in a story about friendship, duty, and the pressures faced by young Indians.
Earlier in 2025, Homebound garnered recognition at several film festivals and award shows, further cementing its reputation as a significant Indian cinematic entry on the international stage.