Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound has been shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Entertainment, the movie is now striving for a nomination in the Best Foreign Film category. Ghaywan highlighted the mixed emotions of celebration and the financial burdens of campaigning for an Oscar, describing it as sometimes feeling like a “bottomless pit.”
In a recent podcast appearance on YouTube, Karan Johar discussed the Oscar campaign for Homebound, which features Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. He revealed that his business partner, Adar Poonawalla, has been willing to invest significantly in the campaign, viewing it more as an opportunity than a financial risk.
Johar acknowledged the challenges of running an Oscar campaign, stating that it can be very costly and uncertain. Despite these challenges, Poonawalla’s enthusiasm kept the focus on the potential success of the film rather than the expenses involved.
The director reiterated the project’s importance, emphasizing that Homebound was always more than just a financial venture. It’s seen as a passion project, and the goal was to prioritize artistic credibility over monetary gain.
Homebound has officially made it to the Oscars shortlist, with final nominations to be announced on January 22, 2026. The upcoming ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, is scheduled for March 15, 2026. The film follows the journey of childhood friends Shoaib and Chandan, whose dreams of joining the police force impact their lives profoundly.
Produced by a collaborative team including Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and others, Homebound also features executive producers Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar. The film draws inspiration from journalist Basharat Peer’s article, Taking Amrit Home, which explores themes of friendship, the pandemic, and loss.