As Homebound hits screens across India today, actor Ishaan Khatter takes a moment to revisit the very roots of the film — not just in its story, but in the soil of the village where it all began.
In an emotionally resonant Instagram post, Ishaan wrote:“Aaj Homebound ke release ke din woh pehle din yaad aa rahe hain jinhone humein is kahaani ko gehrai se samajhne ki kshamta di.. preparation, August 2024.”
He tagged director Neeraj Ghaywan, co-actors Vishal Jethwa and Shriidhar Dubey, taking his followers back to the earliest days of Homebound’s creation — days filled with immersion, study, and silent observation in a rural Indian village, away from the spotlight.
Before stepping in front of the camera, Ishaan had spent weeks living among the very people the film seeks to portray — understanding their rhythms, their silences, their suppressed voices. This level of preparation, he reveals, was not just about method acting — but about earning the right to represent a story that wasn't his own, but one he deeply felt.
And it shows.
Homebound has already made waves across international film festivals. It received standing ovations at TIFF, Rotterdam, and Berlin, and won the Best Screenplay award at the Sydney Film Festival. Critics praised its “emotional precision,” “unflinching direction,” and Ishaan’s career-best performance.
And now, the ultimate recognition: Homebound has been chosen as India’s official entry to the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
The buzz around its Oscar campaign is palpable, with strong international backing, and early predictions placing it among the frontrunners.
For Ishaan, who has consistently sought meaningful and challenging roles, Homebound marks a defining chapter. Known for his eclectic choices in films like Beyond the Clouds, A Suitable Boy, and Pippa, his performance in Homebound has drawn unanimous praise for its vulnerability and restraint.
This isn’t just a performance — it’s a portrait of a generation torn between tradition and transformation.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan continues to cement his place among India’s most important filmmakers. After Masaan and his segment in Ajeeb Daastaans, Homebound showcases his ability to tell deeply Indian stories with a universal resonance.
As Ishaan remembers the quiet village where it all began, audiences are reminded that the most powerful stories often come from the most unassuming places.
From that village in August 2024…
To the red carpet in Los Angeles 2026…
Homebound is, in every way, a journey of coming full circle.
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