India's Oscar Dreams Deferred as Homebound Fails to Make 2026 Shortlist
In a disappointing development for Indian cinema enthusiasts, the country's official Oscar submission Homebound has been excluded from the nominations for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards. This setback extends India's prolonged absence from this prestigious category, with the last nomination coming over two decades ago when Aamir Khan's iconic film Lagaan made the cut in 2002.
The International Feature Film Contenders for 2026
The films that successfully secured nominations in this competitive category include:
- The Secret Agent from Brazil
- It Was Just an Accident representing France
- Sentimental Value from Norway
- Sirât representing Spain
- The Voice of Hind Rajab from Tunisia
Homebound: A Passion Project with Powerful Themes
Produced by Dharma Productions under the guidance of Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Adar Poonawalla, Homebound draws inspiration from a New York Times article by Basharat Peer published in 2020. The film presents a compelling narrative centered around two friends, Shoaib and Chandan, who hail from marginalized backgrounds and navigate a society entrenched in systemic discrimination.
The storyline gains particular resonance as it unfolds during the COVID-19 lockdown period, depicting the protagonists' struggle after losing their livelihoods and their determined journey to return home against overwhelming odds.
The Financial Realities of Oscar Campaigns
In previous discussions about Indian films pursuing Oscar recognition, industry insiders have highlighted the substantial financial commitments required for effective campaigns. Karan Johar, in a candid conversation with Peeping Moon, described funding an Oscar campaign as a "bottomless pit" and an "uphill task" due to the unpredictable outcomes.
"You need to engage publicists, organize international travel, generate media buzz, and conduct screenings abroad," Johar explained. "However, Adar Poonawalla emphasized that this represented a remarkable opportunity for a significant film, urging us to dedicate our full capabilities without focusing on profit margins. We approached this as a passion project rather than a commercial venture—it was about establishing credibility rather than financial gain."
Controversy Surrounding the Film's Origins
Several months prior to the Oscar announcement, journalist-turned-author Puja Changoiwala initiated legal proceedings against Homebound, alleging that the filmmakers had plagiarized her 2021 novel bearing the same title. Dharma Productions responded firmly to these accusations, characterizing them as "baseless and unfounded."
The production company clarified their position, stating: "The allegations of copyright infringement lack merit, and Dharma Productions categorically rejects them. Homebound represents an officially licensed adaptation inspired by Basharat Peer's New York Times article, with all necessary rights legally obtained and appropriate credit duly provided."
Featuring Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter in lead roles, Homebound represented India's ambitious attempt to break its long-standing Oscar nomination drought in the International Feature Film category. Despite the film's critical themes and production pedigree, it ultimately could not secure a place among the 2026 nominees, leaving Indian cinema enthusiasts awaiting the next opportunity for global recognition at the Academy Awards.
