India's Oscar Hopes Soar as 'Homebound' Makes Historic Shortlist

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In a major breakthrough for Indian cinema, Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound' has become the first Indian film to make the Oscar shortlist for Best International Feature Film. The Hindi-language film, which explores social prejudices through the eyes of the country's youth, was selected from a pool of 15 films. This achievement comes after a rigorous campaign in the United States, led by major producer Karan Johar and his Dharma Productions, in collaboration with American filmmaker Martin Scorsese. Ghaywan's sophomore feature, which stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, has generated immense enthusiasm among Indian film lovers. The film's selection as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards marked a significant milestone. Ghaywan's proven credentials as an award-winning director, having won two prizes in Cannes for his debut feature 'Masaan', have further boosted the film's chances. The Oscar campaign for 'Homebound' was driven by a team of experts, including Scorsese, who came on board as executive producer and mentor. Scorsese's involvement has been instrumental in swaying Oscar voters, given his towering stature in the American film industry. The campaign included screenings in New York and Los Angeles, as well as a Q&A session with Ghaywan. The Best International Feature Film shortlist will be announced on December 16, followed by the nominations on January 22. If 'Homebound' makes it to the five-film shortlist, it could create history for Indian cinema in 2026. The film's powerful narrative about the dreams of Indian youth, set in the Hindi heartland, has the potential to propel it to the finish line and bring home India's first Oscar in this category.