Where To Watch Homebound On OTT? Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa Starring Neeraj Ghaywan’s Film Out Of Oscar

Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound arrived with considerable global buzz after its festival journey, emerging as one of India's most talked-about films of the year.

While it was selected as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, the film ultimately did not make it to the final nominations list. With that, India's wait for an Oscar nomination in this category continues, the last being Aamir Khan's Lagaan in 2002.

Homebound's Oscar journey and global reception

Despite missing out on the final Oscar shortlist, Homebound made a strong impression internationally. The shortlisted films this year include The Secret Agent from Brazil, It Was Just an Accident from France, Sentimental Value from Norway, Sirât from Spain, and The Voice of Hind Rajab from Tunisia.

The film first premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it drew praise for its grounded narrative and emotional restraint.

It later screened at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, reportedly earning a standing ovation. These early responses helped build momentum well ahead of its theatrical release in India, scheduled for September 26, 2025.

Where to watch Homebound online

For viewers keen to catch the film digitally, Homebound is currently streaming on Netflix. The OTT release was confirmed through the film's official posters, and the makers later announced the platform as well, putting an end to speculation around its digital premiere.

Story, cast and real-life inspiration

Set in rural North India during the COVID-19 pandemic, Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa in lead roles. The story follows two childhood friends who see the police force as their only escape from poverty and systemic discrimination. As they chase this shared dream, their friendship is tested by caste realities, religious tensions and the brutal uncertainties of the pandemic.

The film is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer's 2020 New York Times article, initially titled Taking Amrit Home and later retitled A Friendship, a Pandemic, and a Death Beside the Highway. Neeraj Ghaywan adapts this real-life account into an intimate and deeply personal cinematic narrative.

Makers, quotes and accolades

Speaking about Homebound being chosen as India's official Oscar entry, Neeraj Ghaywan told Variety that the selection was deeply humbling. He described the film as a story rooted in love for the land and its people, adding that taking such a narrative to a global platform like the Oscars was both an honour and a responsibility.

Produced by Dharma Productions, the film is backed by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra. Homebound has already earned major recognition, including Best Film and Best Director for Neeraj Ghaywan at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, cementing its place as one of the most acclaimed Indian films of the year.