After winning accolades at prestigious film festivals across the globe, the much-acclaimed film Homebound has added another feather to its illustrious cap — it has officially been selected as India’s entry for the 2025 Oscars.
This monumental moment has stirred emotional responses from the cast and crew, none more heartfelt than that of lead actor Ishaan Khatter. Taking to social media, Ishaan poured his heart out in a moving note, calling Homebound the film he is “proudest of.”
"This is the film I’ve been proudest of and even if it wasn’t my film I would feel the same way. Some films are much bigger than us... @neeraj.ghaywan I love you so much brother, you deserve this and more. You’ve made the most humane film in some of the most isolated of times and it’s my honour to be a vessel for your vision," Ishaan wrote.
He went on to thank the core team, including producer Karan Johar, EP Pravin Khairnar, and the legendary Martin Scorsese, who has lent his support as an executive producer, calling their involvement a "midas touch" that "brought us home."
He also gave a special shoutout to co-stars Vishal Jethwa — “mere bhai, we will always have this journey together” — and Janhvi Kapoor, who championed the film “without question from the beginning.”
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his raw and emotionally searing storytelling (Masaan, Sacred Games), Homebound is being hailed as one of the most profound and socially relevant Indian films in recent years.
Set against the backdrop of isolation, loss, and resilience, the film explores the silent battles faced by everyday Indians — weaving stories of belonging, displacement, and the eternal search for ‘home’. Ghaywan, who has often spoken about giving voice to the marginalized, delivers a film that is unapologetically Indian in its heart yet universally resonant.
The film stars Ishaan Khatter in what critics are calling his career-defining role, alongside the brilliant Vishal Jethwa, known for Mardaani 2, and the ever-evolving Janhvi Kapoor, who adds her quiet strength to the ensemble.
Each character is etched with sensitivity and depth, a hallmark of Ghaywan’s direction. And while the performances are undeniably powerful, it’s the film’s soul-stirring narrative that has truly captivated audiences and critics alike.
When the trailer of Homebound dropped earlier this month, it instantly went viral. Viewers and film critics described it as “hauntingly beautiful,” “painfully real,” and “a cinematic poem.” The visuals are stark yet poetic, the emotions raw yet refined — a perfect teaser of what promises to be an unforgettable film.
With the Oscars on the horizon, hopes are high that Homebound will not only secure a nomination but also bring home the coveted golden statuette — something Indian cinema has long aspired to. The film has already made waves at international film festivals in Venice, Toronto, and Busan, where it was met with standing ovations and critical acclaim.
As Ishaan Khatter so poignantly put it, “We are finally coming home.” And now, so are Indian audiences. The film is all set to release in theatres on September 26, and cinephiles across the country are eagerly awaiting its arrival.
At its core, Homebound is not just a film — it’s a movement, a mirror, a memory. It’s a reminder that in the most isolated times, humanity can still shine through. And if there’s ever been a film that truly deserves to represent India on the world’s biggest cinematic stage, it is this.
Let’s hope this cinematic gem brings India its long-awaited Oscar glory.
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