Homebound Oscar shortlist: Bollywood celebs rejoice, congratulate Karan Johar
Karan Johar’s Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been selected for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. The announcement was followed by a flood of congratulatory messages from celebrities and fans.
Karan Johar’s Instagram comment section turned into a virtual victory party as Bollywood celebrities rushed to congratulate the filmmaker homebound Won a coveted spot on the Oscars 2026 shortlist. From filmmakers to actors, the industry supported Johar and celebrated the film’s global recognition as a proud moment for Indian cinema.
The film, produced by Karan Johar, has been selected for the Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards (98th edition). The academy announced the shortlist in 12 categories on Tuesday homebound Making it to the top 15 contenders. The five final candidates will be revealed on January 22.
Filmmakers and actors including Farah Khan, Zoya Akhtar, Vineet Kumar Singh, Namrata Shirodkar, Neha Dhupia and Boman Irani flooded Johar’s post with congratulatory messages, while fans hailed the film’s global recognition as a proud moment for Indian cinema.
Sharing the poster of the film, the filmmaker admitted that he is still sorting through everything. Johar shared, “I’m not sure I can explain how proud, excited and on cloud nine I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND. All of us at @DharmaMovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography.”
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He also gave special praise to director Neeraj Ghaywan and credited him for the film’s remarkable journey. “Thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many of our dreams come true – from Cannes to making the Oscar shortlist. It’s been a tremendous journey!” Expressing his love for the cast and crew, Johar wrote, “Onwards and onwards.”
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, homebound Stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. The film, which was India’s official entry for the Oscars, tells the story of two childhood friends, Shoaib and Chandan, who pursue their dream of becoming police officers while navigating through friendship, ambition and the harsh realities of social and economic pressure.
The film has performed strongly internationally, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival before screening at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Currently streaming on Netflix, homebound It continues to find new audiences around the world.
