India has chosen Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, as its Oscars submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
The film follows two childhood friends from a small village in North India, who attempt to pass the national police exam.
Neeraj Ghaywan expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m deeply honored that Homebound has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars. Rooted in the love for our land and our people, it carries the essence of the home we all share. To take our stories to the world and represent India at one of the biggest global stages for cinema is both humbling and a matter of pride, and for this I’m deeply grateful.”
The Hindi-language drama follows two childhood friends from a small village in North India – Mohammad Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan Kumar (Vishal Jethwa) – who aspire to become police officers, chasing a goal that promises them dignity and escape from systemic hardship. The film also stars Janhvi Kapoor, and includes Shalini Vatsa and Shreedhar Dubey in supporting roles. It is inspired by a New York Times article by Basharat Peer.
Homebound premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes Film Festival, followed by the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it screened in the Gala Presentation and was awarded second runner-up in the International People’s Choice Award category.
The selection was made by a 12-member committee under the Film Federation of India, chaired by N Chandra. The committee noted that Homebound was chosen from among 24 films across various Indian languages. “It was a very difficult choice. These were films that touched the lives of people,” said N Chandra. “We were not judges but coaches. We were searching for players who have made their mark.”
The 23 other films, included: I Want to Talk, Tanvi The Great, The Bengal Files, Pushpa 2, Kesari Chapter 2, Superboys of Malegaon, Sthal, Kannappa, Meta The Dazzling Girl, Sabar Bonda, Dashavatar, Vanvaas, Paani, Gandhi Tatha Chettu, Aata Thambaycha Naay, Kubera, Boong, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, Humans in the Loop, Jugnuma, Phule, Veera Chandrahasa and Pyre.
Watch the first trailer for Homebound, above.
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