Neeraj Ghaywan's film "Homebound" chosen as India's contender for the Oscars at Cannes.
In a move that has sparked debate and excitement, the Indian Film Federation has chosen "Homebound" as the country's entry for the international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, who is considered one of India's most distinctive contemporary filmmakers, "Homebound" premiered in Cannes' Un Certain Regard section and has since made waves on the festival circuit.
The drama, inspired by Basharat Peer's 2020 New York Times essay "Taking Amrit Home", follows two childhood friends from a small North Indian town whose shared dream of joining the police force unravels against the backdrop of caste divisions, religious tensions, and the despair of the pandemic lockdown. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, "Homebound" serves as both a moving character piece and a searing indictment of modern India, according to Variety's review.
The choice of "Homebound" over "All We Imagine as Light" has led to discussions about whether the Federation is overlooking films with strong international festival momentum. Some argue that the Federation is recalibrating towards titles that balance local specificity with global reach, as suggested by the selection of "Homebound".
The success of "Homebound" in gaining Oscar traction will depend heavily on the campaign strategy mounted by producer Karan Johar's Dharma Productions in the coming months. The production company is responsible for the worldwide campaign for the film. Martin Scorsese, renowned filmmaker, is an executive producer for "Homebound".
Neeraj Ghaywan expressed his gratitude for the film's selection as India's official entry to the Oscars. He stated that "Homebound" carries the essence of the home they all share and represents India at one of the biggest global stages for cinema. The film was named second runner-up for the TIFF People's Choice Award in Toronto.
It's worth noting that India has yet to win in the international feature category at the Academy Awards, despite earning three nominations. India's previous submission, "Laapataa Ladies", failed to reach the Academy shortlist. However, previous Indian entries such as Pan Nalin's "Last Film Show" and Rima Das' "Village Rockstars" made significant impacts on the festival circuit.
"Homebound" is set to be released in India on September 26, promising to be a significant contender in the international film scene. The film's selection as India's official entry to the Oscars marks an exciting time for Indian cinema and its potential to make a mark on the global stage.
