17 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Indian cinema has received a significant boost on the global stage as Neeraj Ghaywan’s critically acclaimed film ‘Homebound’ has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars 2026. The announcement marks a proud moment for Indian filmmakers and reinforces the growing international recognition of meaningful, socially rooted storytelling from the country.
Neeraj Ghaywan, best known for his debut film Masaan, has long been celebrated for his sensitive narratives and human-centric approach to cinema. With Homebound, the director once again explores complex emotions, relationships, and social realities, striking a chord with audiences and critics alike.
A Major Milestone for Indian Cinema
The shortlisting of Homebound places it among a select group of international films competing for one of the most prestigious honours in world cinema. While making it to the final nomination remains the next hurdle, being shortlisted itself is a testament to the film’s artistic merit and global appeal.
Over the years, Indian films have often struggled to break through at the Oscars due to stiff competition and differing cinematic sensibilities. Homebound’s recognition signals a shift, highlighting the Academy’s growing openness to nuanced, non-formulaic narratives from India.
What Makes ‘Homebound’ Stand Out
Homebound is praised for its emotionally layered storytelling, subtle performances, and realistic portrayal of characters navigating personal and societal conflicts. The film delves into themes of belonging, identity, displacement, and emotional ties — subjects that resonate universally across cultures.
Neeraj Ghaywan’s restrained direction avoids melodrama, instead focusing on quiet moments and inner turmoil. Critics have highlighted the film’s authenticity, realistic dialogues, and strong visual language as key strengths that likely contributed to its Oscar shortlist entry.
International Reception and Festival Buzz
Before its Oscar journey, Homebound garnered attention at several international film festivals, where it was applauded for its depth and storytelling finesse. Global audiences connected with its universal themes, even as the film remained deeply rooted in Indian socio-cultural realities.
Film critics abroad have described Homebound as a “poignant exploration of human connection” and “a powerful reminder of cinema’s ability to transcend borders.” Such responses strengthened its position during the Oscars selection process.
Performances That Leave an Impact
The film’s cast has received widespread praise for delivering understated yet powerful performances. Rather than relying on star power, Homebound draws strength from its ensemble, each actor contributing to the emotional weight of the story.
Industry insiders note that the authenticity of performances played a key role in making the film relatable to an international jury, which often values realism and emotional honesty.
🇮🇳 India’s Journey at the Oscars
India’s relationship with the Oscars has been complex. While Indian cinema enjoys massive global popularity, official recognition at the Academy Awards has been limited. However, recent years have seen growing appreciation for regional and independent Indian films on global platforms.
The shortlisting of Homebound adds to this momentum and offers hope that Indian filmmakers focusing on content-driven cinema can find a place on the world’s biggest stage.
Neeraj Ghaywan’s Growing Global Footprint
With Homebound, Neeraj Ghaywan further cements his reputation as one of India’s most thoughtful contemporary filmmakers. Known for addressing social issues with empathy and nuance, his work has consistently found appreciation beyond domestic audiences.
The Oscar shortlist recognition could open new doors for international collaborations and bring greater attention to India’s independent film movement.
Industry Reactions and Expectations
Members of the Indian film fraternity have welcomed the news with enthusiasm, calling it a proud moment for Indian storytelling. Many see Homebound’s recognition as validation of films that prioritise substance over spectacle.
While the final nominations will determine the film’s ultimate Oscar fate, expectations remain high, with audiences eagerly watching the next stage of the awards process.
Conclusion
The Oscar 2026 shortlisting of Homebound in the Best International Feature Film category is a significant achievement for Neeraj Ghaywan and Indian cinema as a whole. Regardless of the final outcome, the film’s global recognition highlights the power of authentic storytelling and signals a promising future for Indian films on the international stage.
Summary
Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at Oscars 2026, marking a major achievement for Indian cinema on the global stage.