Neeraj Ghaywan’s: In a surprising turn of events, Neeraj Ghaywan’s upcoming film, Homebound, has been selected as India’s official entry for the prestigious Academy Awards, even before its theatrical release. The announcement has sparked significant excitement within the film industry and among audiences.
Known for its heartwarming portrayal of pure friendship, Homebound is an emotional narrative that explores human relationships and various societal facets. The film, which stars Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa, is inspired by a compelling 2020 report from The New York Times. It had already captivated critics and audiences alike with its special screening at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
The decision was made during a special meeting of The Film Federation of India on Friday. From a shortlist of 24 films spanning multiple Indian languages, Homebound was unanimously chosen to represent the country on the global stage. The selection committee included prominent figures such as Oscar judge N. Chandra, writer Ratnottama Sengupta, and producer Surinder Singh, among others.
While Homebound secured the coveted spot, the competition was fierce. The list of films considered for the nomination was a testament to the diversity of Indian cinema, featuring titles such as Tanvi The Great, Superboys of Malegaon, Kesari Chapter 2, and blockbusters like Pushpa 2 and Kanappa. Other notable films in the running were Paani and Kuber.
With its official release date set for September 26, anticipation is high for Homebound to deliver on the big screen and embark on its journey toward Oscar glory.
