In Shorts:
- The Film Federation of India has officially selected the Neeraj Ghaywan-directed short film ‘Homebound’ as India’s entry for the 2025 Oscars.
- Producer Karan Johar and director Neeraj Ghaywan expressed their shock and elation on social media, calling the recognition a monumental achievement.
- ‘Homebound,’ part of the anthology ‘Lust Stories 2,’ triumphed over several high-profile feature films to secure the coveted spot.
MUMBAI – In an announcement that has sent ripples of excitement through the Indian film industry, the Neeraj Ghaywan-directed short film ‘Homebound’ has been chosen as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards. The selection, made by the Film Federation of India (FFI), positions the critically acclaimed story as the nation’s contender for Hollywood’s most prestigious honor.
The news, which broke on Thursday, was met with a wave of emotional reactions from the film’s creators. Producer Karan Johar, whose Dharma Productions backed the anthology film ‘Lust Stories 2’ in which ‘Homebound’ features, took to social media to share his disbelief and pride.
“This is a PINCH ME moment I will never forget!” Johar wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He extended his congratulations to director Neeraj Ghaywan and the entire cast and crew, highlighting the film’s powerful narrative.
The film’s director, Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his hard-hitting and socially relevant cinema in projects like ‘Masaan,’ was equally overwhelmed. In his online response, Ghaywan expressed profound gratitude, stating he was “at a complete loss for words.” He dedicated the recognition to the entire team behind the project, emphasizing the collaborative effort that brought the story to life.
‘Homebound,’ which features a stellar cast including Mrunal Thakur and Dibyendu Bhattacharya, is a nuanced exploration of complex familial and marital dynamics. Its selection is particularly noteworthy as it is a short film, part of a Netflix anthology, that has triumphed over numerous full-length feature films to earn this honor. This decision by the FFI underscores a shifting focus towards powerful storytelling regardless of format or runtime.
The film will now represent India on the global stage, vying for a nomination spot ahead of the Oscars ceremony in 2025. The industry and audiences alike will be watching closely, hoping ‘Homebound’ can chart a course similar to past Indian nominees and winners, bringing yet another authentic Indian story to the world’s attention.
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