India’s Oscar entry ‘Homebound’ premieres on Netflix today

India’s official Oscar entry Homebound , the same film that received a nine-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, begins streaming worldwide on Netflix today, marking a major moment for Indian cinema as the awards season heats up.

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film features a powerful lead trio: Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. Their performances anchor this emotionally gripping story of two childhood friends chasing dignity and social acceptance while navigating harsh realities in rural North India. Janhvi’s role, in particular, has been praised for adding emotional depth and tenderness to the otherwise intense narrative.

Before arriving on Netflix, Homebound had its theatrical release on 26 September 2025, following months of global festival acclaim. The film travelled through top festivals, including Toronto and Zurich, where critics applauded its honest storytelling, restrained direction, and deeply human performances.

Selected by the Film Federation of India from 23 films, Homebound carries heavyweight backing as well. Produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and supported by Martin Scorsese as executive producer, the film blends Indian sensibilities with international scale, further boosting its Oscar prospects.

With its digital premiere today, excitement among fans and film lovers is higher than ever. Social media has been buzzing since morning, as viewers prepare to watch the same film that stunned Cannes and positioned India as a strong contender in this year’s Academy Awards race.