Congratulatory messages poured from Bollywood after Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound was selected as India’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ananya Panday, Anil Kapoor and others sent their best wishes for the makers of the film, which stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor in pivotal roles.
Kareena congratulated producer Karan Johar and Neeraj along with others and wrote, “This is one film I can’t wait to watch.”
Anil said, “Proud beyond words! Homebound is India's official entry to the Oscars. Congratulations to the entire team and to Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor & Vishal Jethwa, your journeys, your talent, and your honesty on screen make this moment truly special. Immense respect to Neeraj Ghaywan for his powerful direction, to Karan Johar for backing this vision so passionately, and to Somen Mishra for championing stories that matter. A milestone for Indian cinema!”
Ananya wrote, “Wow, this is incredible. Congratulations to the entire team. Can’t wait to watch this beautiful heartbreaking film in cinemas. Everything that you make is a master class Neeraj sir.”
Sanjay Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan and Shakun Batra also sent their best wishes for the team.
Additionally, Janvhi shared a poster of the film, and said that being part of the film was nothing short of a dream. “The journey, the people, what this story means, and how personal it’s been for everyone in our team. At every step I have been thankful I could witness this journey, which in my mind was truly the reward in itself. Everything since has been a celebration of all these people that I love and respect so much, for their talent, their goodness and their courage. This movie and even its journey, has been about hope, in so many more ways than one would expect.”
The film tells the story of two childhood friends from a small north Indian village who chase a police job that promises them the dignity they have long been denied.
Homebound features music by Amit Trivedi and lyrics by Varun Grover. The film had its world premiere earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival and won the International People’s Choice Award as the second runner-up at the Toronto International Film Festival 2025 recently. It is slated to release in theatres on September 26.