Neeraj Ghaywan's film titled 'Homebound' chosen as India's submission for the Oscars
In an exciting turn of events, India has announced that Neeraj Ghaywan's "Homebound" will be its entry for the international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The decision marks a shift in the Federation's selection process, as they seem to be recalibrating towards titles that balance local specificity with global reach.
"Homebound" is a drama that 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. The film, which stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, premiered in Cannes' Un Certain Regard section earlier this year and was named the second runner-up for the TIFF People's Choice Award in Toronto.
According to Variety's review, "Homebound" is a drama in which aspirations collide with harsh political realities. The tale of impoverished young men trying to escape their circumstances proves to be both a moving character piece and a searing indictment of modern India. The film is inspired by Basharat Peer's 2020 New York Times essay "Taking Amrit Home."
Martin Scorsese is an executive producer for "Homebound", adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the Indian production. Neeraj Ghaywan, who is seen as one of India's most distinctive contemporary filmmakers, 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 we all share and that taking their stories to the world and representing India at one of the biggest global stages for cinema is both humbling and a matter of pride.
The success of "Homebound" at the Oscars will depend heavily on the campaign strategy mounted by producer Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. India has yet to win in the international feature category, despite earning three nominations. Previous Indian entries such as Pan Nalin's "Last Film Show" and Rima Das' "Village Rockstars" have made waves on the festival circuit.
As the countdown to the 98th Academy Awards begins, the Indian film industry eagerly awaits the outcome of "Homebound's" campaign. With its compelling storyline, star-studded cast, and high-profile backing, the film stands a strong chance of making history and bringing home the coveted Oscar.
