“Homebound” Beats Blockbusters: The Oscar Race for India’s Official Entry

In a crowded field of contenders, Neeraj Ghaywan‘s film “Homebound” has been chosen as India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category. This poignant drama, which tells the story of two childhood friends striving for dignity in a caste-based society, successfully navigated a highly competitive selection process, beating out a diverse range of films from across the country.

The selection committee, headed by filmmaker N. Chandra, had the difficult task of choosing from a pool of 24 films. While every film in contention was a strong contender, “Homebound” was ultimately chosen unanimously by the jury. This decision means that the film will now represent India on the world’s biggest cinematic stage, hoping to secure a nomination and possibly, the country’s first-ever win in this category.

Among the notable films that “Homebound” beat in the race are some of the most talked-about and commercially successful titles of the year. The list of contenders included:

• Pushpa 2: The Rule: The highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster “Pushpa: The Rise,” starring Allu Arjun, was a strong commercial contender with a massive following.
• The Bengal Files: A film based on a sensitive and controversial subject, which had generated significant buzz and debate.
• Kannapa: A mythological action drama that was expected to be a major theatrical release.
• Superboys of Malegaon: A film that captures the unique spirit of a small town and its passion for cinema.
• The Pyre: A critically acclaimed film that had been making waves in the festival circuit.
• Kesari: This title was also mentioned in the list of films that were in the running for the Oscar entry.
• Veera Chandrahasa: Another film that was competing for the coveted spot.

The selection of “Homebound” is being seen as a victory for authentic, socially-rooted storytelling. The film, which is based on a real-life event and has legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese serving as an executive producer, has already garnered significant international acclaim. It received a nine-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival and won top honors at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, in addition to being the second runner-up for the People’s Choice International Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.

While the commercial success and popularity of films like “Pushpa 2” were undeniable, the selection committee’s choice of “Homebound” highlights their focus on a film that is not only “beautifully crafted” but also carries a universal message of human struggle, friendship, and the quiet strength of the unseen. It now carries the hopes of a nation as it begins its journey towards the 98th Academy Awards.