Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound has concluded its Oscar campaign. The film, which secured a spot among the top 15 entries in the Best International Feature Film category, did not receive a nomination at the 98th Academy Awards. The film, featuring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, had received significant appreciation at international film festivals, including Cannes, sparking optimism for an Indian presence at the Oscars. When Homebound advanced to the top 15 shortlist in the Best International Feature category, anticipation intensified further. The most recent Indian film to earn an Oscar nomination in this category was Aamir Khan’s Lagaan, 24 years ago.
INDIA’S HOMEBOUND EXITS OSCAR RACE, MISSES FINAL NOMINATION
Homebound, a moving narrative about friendship, aspirations, and the restrictive caste system, has been a critics’ darling and had accumulated substantial international recognition. However, the film did not advance to the top 5. The films that received nominations in the international category are: “The Secret Agent”, “It Was Just an Accident”, “Sentimental Value”, “Sirat” and “The Voice of Hind Rajab”.
In the Academy’s history, only three Indian films have been nominated in this category: Lagaan, Mother India and Salaam Bombay.
The film centres on childhood companions Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), who aspire to join the police force to break free from discrimination and lead a dignified life. However, life takes them on a different path.
HOMEBOUND MOVIE REVIEW:
film critic review wrote, “Homebound ultimately shows a mirror and stays with you long after the film is over.”
“Films on caste and religion-based discrimination have been made before in India. But what works for Homebound is the subtle messaging. At no point does the film feel preachy. It’s unassuming in its ways yet poignant and hard-hitting. These are men whom we have known, working as support staff at homes, at work, but perhaps have never spoken to much. These are people who help us in keeping our homes safe, keeping our homes in order, helping us at work, yet we know so little about them,” read the full review here.
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