Neeraj Ghaywan’s latest film Homebound has officially been selected as India’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The powerful Bollywood drama has already made waves internationally, earning a standing ovation at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), following its earlier premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Scheduled to release in theatres on September 26, 2025, the film explores themes of friendship, ambition, and social injustice, set against the backdrop of rural India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the official posters unveiled the online streaming platform after its theatrical run.
Where to stream Homebound online after theatrical run?
After its theatrical run, Homebound will be available for streaming on Netflix, as confirmed by the film’s official posters. Although the exact release date on the platform has not been announced, it is expected to begin streaming by November 2025, following the typical eight-week gap between theatrical and digital releases, according to OTTplay. This will give audiences around the world the opportunity to experience the film ahead of the Oscars season.
Featuring Ishaan Khatter as Shoaib and Vishal Jethwa as Chandan, the story follows two childhood friends from a North Indian village, who dream of escaping poverty by securing stable government jobs. However, their journey is deeply affected by caste and religious barriers, which test their resilience and friendship. Janhvi Kapoor plays Sudha Bharti, a fellow aspirant who brings her own struggles and strength into the narrative. The film’s tone is subtle yet deeply emotional, shining a light on social inequalities without loud proclamations.
More about Homebound
Produced by Dharma Productions, the film brings together an impressive team including Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Adar Poonawalla, and Somen Mishra. Known for his sharp storytelling and socially driven narratives, director Neeraj Ghaywan once again delivers a film that balances emotional depth with sharp social commentary. His previous work has already garnered critical acclaim, and Homebound appears to continue that legacy.
Critics have praised the film for its gentle yet powerful messaging. The cast also expressed their gratitude and excitement about the film’s Oscar selection. Vishal Jethwa called the news “surreal,” while Ishaan Khatter said Homebound was “the film I’ve been proudest of.” Janhvi Kapoor described the project as a “dream” and praised the journey the entire team had shared. The story was originally inspired by a New York Times op-ed written during India’s COVID-19 lockdown, making it not just timely, but also intensely personal and rooted in real-life experiences.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Where to stream Homebound online after theatrical run?
After its theatrical run, Homebound will be available for streaming on Netflix, as confirmed by the film’s official posters. Although the exact release date on the platform has not been announced, it is expected to begin streaming by November 2025, following the typical eight-week gap between theatrical and digital releases, according to OTTplay. This will give audiences around the world the opportunity to experience the film ahead of the Oscars season.
Featuring Ishaan Khatter as Shoaib and Vishal Jethwa as Chandan, the story follows two childhood friends from a North Indian village, who dream of escaping poverty by securing stable government jobs. However, their journey is deeply affected by caste and religious barriers, which test their resilience and friendship. Janhvi Kapoor plays Sudha Bharti, a fellow aspirant who brings her own struggles and strength into the narrative. The film’s tone is subtle yet deeply emotional, shining a light on social inequalities without loud proclamations.
More about Homebound
Produced by Dharma Productions, the film brings together an impressive team including Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Adar Poonawalla, and Somen Mishra. Known for his sharp storytelling and socially driven narratives, director Neeraj Ghaywan once again delivers a film that balances emotional depth with sharp social commentary. His previous work has already garnered critical acclaim, and Homebound appears to continue that legacy.
Critics have praised the film for its gentle yet powerful messaging. The cast also expressed their gratitude and excitement about the film’s Oscar selection. Vishal Jethwa called the news “surreal,” while Ishaan Khatter said Homebound was “the film I’ve been proudest of.” Janhvi Kapoor described the project as a “dream” and praised the journey the entire team had shared. The story was originally inspired by a New York Times op-ed written during India’s COVID-19 lockdown, making it not just timely, but also intensely personal and rooted in real-life experiences.
Stay tuned for more updates!
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