India has officially chosen Neeraj Ghaywan’s much-anticipated drama Homebound as its submission for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The announcement comes just ahead of the film’s theatrical release later this month, positioning the project for a strong Oscar campaign.
To mark the occasion, the team — including director Neeraj Ghaywan and lead actors Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa — addressed the media in a press conference. While the Oscar entry created buzz, the conversation also spotlighted Ghaywan’s distinctive philosophy as a filmmaker, which prioritizes inclusivity and respect on his sets.
Neeraj Ghaywan on Practicing Inclusivity
Ghaywan, best known for his acclaimed debut Masaan, revealed that he has long followed a mandate ensuring representation behind the camera. “Firstly, it was important for me that more than 50% of the crew were women — and not just token hires. They had to be HODs. That has been a clear mandate for me for many years. It is also about consciously preferring people who are often overlooked: Dalits, Muslims, LGBTQIA+ individuals. If they’re equally talented, why not bring them on board? That’s how you create real change,” he explained.
The filmmaker also spoke about how he enforces dignity on set. “Everyone must be addressed by their name. You cannot call someone ‘spot dada,’ or just ‘lighting’ or ‘setting.’ That is not acceptable. These are individuals, not job titles. And of course, safety is always a top priority,” he added.
Ishaan Khatter on What Sets Ghaywan Apart
Ishaan Khatter, who stars in the film alongside Vishal Jethwa, shared how deeply this work environment affected him. “From the very first few days, I noticed how different it was. There is genuinely no hierarchy on his set. Everybody is treated as an equal contributor — whether it’s a production assistant or a department head. That is a very rare quality, and honestly, you don’t see it often. That’s why I say: practice what you preach. With Neeraj, you see it in action. Everybody is humanized on his set.”
For Ishaan, this was not just about making a film but also about personal growth. “For me, the biggest change has been becoming socially aware. It’s not enough to just have good intentions. You have to act on them. I’ve learned that so much from Neeraj. If he says something in his film, you can be sure he lives by it outside of the film too. That consistency is very rare. It showed me that you don’t have to be a megalomaniac to succeed in this industry. You can lead with empathy and awareness.”
He added, “I’m very proud of this film and what it stands for. It reassured me that I want to keep moving in this direction — to be more aware, more responsible, as I go forward.”
Homebound: A Story With Global Resonance
Though yet to release in India, Homebound has already made waves internationally. The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it received a standing ovation. It later travelled to the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, finishing as the second runner-up for the prestigious International People’s Choice Award.
Set in rural India, the drama follows two young men (played by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa) who aspire to secure government jobs as a path to social standing, but their ambitions are repeatedly tested by caste and communal discrimination. Janhvi Kapoor appears in a significant role as their friend, anchoring the emotional core of the narrative.
The story is inspired by Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times essay A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway, grounding the film in lived realities of India’s socio-political fabric.
Marking Neeraj Ghaywan’s return to direction after nearly a decade, Homebound also comes with heavyweight backing: Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions is producing, while legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese serves as executive producer.
With its Oscar submission, powerful subject matter, and critical acclaim already earned on the festival circuit, Homebound is poised to be one of India’s most important films on the global stage this year.