Every now and then, a film comes along that feels different. It's not just about the story or the stars; it's about the soul of the project. That's the feeling surrounding Neeraj Ghaywan's latest masterpiece, Homebound, a film that has been quietly gathering international acclaim and is now set to represent India at the Oscars. After a celebrated run in theaters starting September 26, 2025, this powerful drama is finally hitting Netflix on November 21, and trust me, it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Homebound is India’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards.
- ✓ The film is directed by the critically acclaimed Neeraj Ghaywan and stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor.
- ✓ It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won an award at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
- ✓ Legendary director Martin Scorsese serves as an executive producer alongside Karan Johar's Dharma Productions.
- ✓ After its theatrical run, the film is set for a global release on Netflix on November 21, reaching audiences in 190 countries.
A Story of Friendship in a Brutal World
So, what’s all the buzz about? At its heart, Homebound is a deeply personal story about two childhood friends, Shoaib and Chandan, played brilliantly by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa. They share a common dream: to join the police force. For them, this job isn't just a career; it's a ticket to a life of dignity, a way to rise above their circumstances. But as you can imagine, things are never that simple.
The film throws them headfirst into what's described as "India’s brutal socio-political reality," a world where dreams are tested and friendships are pushed to their limits. It’s a narrative that explores the pressures facing young people in India today, tackling complex themes of friendship, duty, and resilience. Adding another layer of emotional depth to this journey is Janhvi Kapoor, whose character serves as a key emotional anchor in their intertwined lives.
What makes this story even more compelling is that it’s rooted in reality. The script is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s powerful 2020 New York Times article, ‘Taking Amrit Home’. This isn't just fiction; it’s a story pulled from real-life experiences, which gives it an authenticity that you can feel in every frame. It’s a testament to telling stories that matter, stories that reflect the world we live in.
The Journey from Cannes to the Oscars
Long before it was announced as India’s Oscar pick, Homebound was already making serious waves on the international stage. You see, a film’s journey through the festival circuit is often a great indicator of its quality, and this one has a resume that’s hard to beat. It all started with a celebrated premiere at one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.
The film had its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. For those who don't follow the festival scene closely, this is a huge deal. The Un Certain Regard section is known for highlighting films with unique visions and non-traditional stories, essentially recognizing some of the most innovative and daring voices in global cinema. Just being selected is a massive honor.
But the momentum didn't stop there. After Cannes, Homebound traveled to another major event, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). At TIFF, it didn't just screen; it won. The film secured the Second Runner-Up spot for the International Audience Choice Award, which is incredible because it shows that the story resonated deeply with everyday viewers, not just critics. This combination of critical acclaim and audience love is what makes a film truly special.
The Ultimate Recognition
After conquering the festival circuit, the film received the ultimate nod of approval back home: it was selected as India’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards. This decision solidifies its place as one of the most important Indian films of the year. It's a huge responsibility, but given the film's powerful story and universal themes, it feels like the perfect choice to represent the country on the world's biggest cinematic stage.
The Power Players Behind the Scenes
A film of this caliber doesn't happen by accident. It takes a village of incredibly talented people who believe in the story. Leading the charge is, of course, director Neeraj Ghaywan. His ability to tell stories with "empathy and honesty" has been praised by many, including Netflix India's Vice-President of Content, Monika Shergill, who noted that his voice "continues to redefine the grammar of contemporary Indian storytelling."
Then you have the producers. The film is backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, a studio known for its commercial hits but also for championing unique and intimate stories like this one. Johar himself called supporting the film "a privilege." He's joined by a team of producers including Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan du Plantier as co-producers.
But here’s the name that really makes you sit up and take notice: Martin Scorsese. Yes, the legendary Hollywood director serves as an executive producer on the film, along with Pravin Khairnar. Having a name like Scorsese attached to an Indian film is a monumental endorsement. It speaks volumes about the quality of the filmmaking and the power of its story to transcend borders. It's a stamp of approval from one of cinema's greatest living masters.
A Global Home on Netflix
After its successful theatrical run and festival tour, the makers wanted to ensure Homebound reached as many people as possible. And in today's world, there’s no better way to do that than a global streaming release. As announced on Thursday, the film is coming to Netflix on Friday, November 21. This isn't just a regional release; it's a massive launch in 190 countries simultaneously.
This move is incredibly significant. As Karan Johar pointed out, "Seeing the film reach Netflix allows it to connect with audiences far beyond its immediate world." A story that started in the pages of the New York Times and was brought to life on Indian screens can now be experienced by someone in Brazil, Japan, or Sweden. It's the democratization of cinema in action, and it ensures that this important story will find the global audience it deserves.
For Neeraj Ghaywan, this is also a full-circle moment. He mentioned his "long-standing relationship with Netflix" and his excitement for this opportunity. For a storyteller, there's no greater reward than knowing your work can touch hearts and minds across the world, and this Netflix release makes that a reality for Homebound.
Conclusion
The bottom line is, Homebound is more than just a movie. It's a reflection of modern India, a celebration of friendship, and a testament to the power of quiet resistance. With a powerhouse team including Neeraj Ghaywan and Martin Scorsese, stunning performances from Ishaan Khatter and the cast, and a story that has already won over critics and audiences worldwide, it's a cinematic event.
From its emotional core rooted in a true story to its incredible journey through Cannes, TIFF, and now as India’s official Oscar submission, Homebound has proven it's a film with something important to say. Its arrival on Netflix means we all get a front-row seat to experience this nuanced, moving, and unforgettable piece of cinema. Be sure to mark your calendars for November 21.
