Homebound Film Chosen as India's Oscar Contender for 2026

In a significant development, Neeraj Ghaywan's film Homebound has been chosen as India's official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The film is inspired by the real-life experiences of two individuals, Amrit and Saiyub, who decided to travel during the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown to reach their home.

Recently, a report by The Indian Express claimed that Amrit's father, Ram Charan, was given only Rs 10,000 by the filmmakers and that they had not kept in touch with him after that. However, Ghaywan has now clarified that the Rs 10,000 was a "parting gesture" during his initial research and not the full extent of the compensation provided to the families. The director emphasized that the families' contributions to the film are "invaluable and deeply meaningful" and that they have been honored with "sincere respect and significant support."

Homebound, which stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, was released in Indian theaters on September 26 and has received praise from both critics and audiences. The film's selection as India's official Oscar entry for 2026 is a testament to its powerful storytelling and the director's commitment to authentically representing the lives of the individuals who inspired it.