Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound': A Journey of Empathy and Dialogue

Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan's latest venture, 'Homebound', officially announced as India's entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category, seeks to engage audiences in a conversation about global empathy and dialogue, amidst prevalent hate and disdain.

Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhavi Kapoor, the film is anticipated for its deeply humane narrative centered around the Indian heartland. The storyline explores childhood friendships and societal issues, drawing inspiration from journalist Basharat Peer's article, 'Taking Amrit Home'.

'Homebound', receiving artistic recognition at Cannes and Toronto, is set to open in India on September 26. Ghaywan's personal experiences of identity and societal pressures are reflected in his work, providing depth and authenticity to the film, which he hopes will resonate with domestic audiences.