Mumbai: Indian cinema has received a major boost on the global stage as Homebound, produced by Karan Johar, has made it to the prestigious shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. On Tuesday, December 16, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced it as one of its official shortlist across various categories.
The film now stands among the final 15 titles that will advance to the next voting round. The members of the Academy in the various branches will view the shortlisted films in the next stage and vote on the final nominations.
Karan Johar reacts with pride and emotion
Reacting to the achievement, Karan Johar shared an emotional note on social media, expressing immense pride in the journey of Homebound. He stated that the film was one of the most purposeful projects in the history of Dharma Productions and was grateful to director Neeraj Ghaywan who managed to transform a shared dream into reality. Johar also emphasized the fantastic path of the film, since its premiere at the Cannes film festival till its current Oscar nomination, and described this as an overpowering and special experience to the whole team.
Strong global competition in the shortlist
Homebound faces stiff competition from acclaimed international films from across the world. The shortlist includes Argentina’s Belén, Brazil’s The Secret Agent, France’s It Was Just an Accident, Germany’s Sound of Falling, Iraq’s The President’s Cake, Japan’s Kokuho, Jordan’s All That’s Left of You, Norway’s Sentimental Value, Palestine’s Palestine 36, South Korea’s No Other Choice, Spain’s Sirât, Switzerland’s Late Shift, Taiwan’s Left-Handed Girl and Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab.
Homebound, despite the great lineup, has created a buzz among the film enthusiasts in India more so since the country has been waiting so long to have a great Oscars breakthrough in that category.
Backed by international names and powerful storytelling
Adding to the film’s global credibility, legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese serves as the executive producer on Homebound. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the movie is based on an article by the journalist Basharat Peer published in the New York Times in 2020 under the title of Taking Amrit Home. It premiered with high coverage in the Cannes Film Festival in May, and thereafter gaining momentum by the conclusion of the Oscar nominations.
About Homebound
Homebound stars Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in pivotal roles. The movie traces the lives of two childhood friends, Shoaib and Chandan, portrayed by Ishaan and Vishal, who look forward to getting government police jobs which promise dignity and security. Their dream, however, collides with the harsh socio political realities of India, exposing themes of ambition, friendship, inequality and survival. Janhvi Kapoor plays a key role that adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, produced by Karan Johar under the Dharma Productions banner, Homebound is a blend of good acting, sensitive and social issues. Having a star cast, an internationally renowned creative team and a strong theme, the movie has become one of the brightest Oscar nominations in India in years.
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