Homebound | Mango Bunch https://mangobunch.in Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:44:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://mangobunch.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cropped-icon-150x150.jpg Homebound | Mango Bunch https://mangobunch.in 32 32 Homebound Is India’s Official Entry To Oscars 2026- Know Everything About It- Plot, Cast, Box Office Collection And More https://mangobunch.in/showbiz/homebound-is-indias-official-entry-to-oscars-2026-know-everything-about-it-plot-cast-box-office-collection-oscars-timeline-and-more/ Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:43:28 +0000 https://mangobunch.in/?p=63688 Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, has emerged as one of the most discussed Indian films of 2025. The drama was India’s official submission for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category and has recently been shortlisted among the top 15 films globally, pushing it closer to potential nomination. Final Oscar nominations are expected to be announced on 22 January 2026.

Plot and theme

The film follows Shoaib (played by Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), two childhood friends from a small village in northern India who dream of joining the police force for dignity and stability. Their bond is tested as they confront rising social pressures, systemic barriers and personal ambition. Janhvi Kapoor plays a key supporting role, bringing emotional depth to the story’s exploration of resilience, caste dynamics and human connection.

Release timeline and streaming

Homebound premiered internationally at the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival 2025, where it received a standing ovation. It also secured the second runner-up position at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025 in the International People’s Choice category.

The film was released in Indian theatres on 26 September 2025 and became available to a global audience on Netflix from 21 November 2025, boosting viewership beyond traditional cinemas.

Watch Trailer Here:

Box office performance

Unlike mainstream commercial films, Homebound had a modest box office run. In its first three days of theatrical release, the film crossed ₹1.3 crore in net collections — a slow but reflective performance for a socially centred drama with limited screens and promotional support.

Critical reception and ratings

Critics and viewers have praised Homebound for its storytelling and performances, especially the interplay between its leads. The film’s subtle yet powerful depiction of societal challenges has resonated with many, leading to strong ratings on audience platforms and positive word of mouth. On user-generated rating platforms, it continues to appear among 2025’s highly regarded Indian films.

Oscar journey and shortlist status

Homebound was officially chosen by the Film Federation of India after a competitive selection process that included films such as Pushpa 2 and Kesari Chapter 2. It has now advanced into the Academy Awards’ Top 15 shortlist for Best International Feature Film, a significant milestone that places it in contention alongside films from around the world.

The shortlist success marks an important moment for Indian cinema, with the Oscars final nominations scheduled for 22 January 2026 and the ceremony itself set for March 10, 2026. (Note: Academy Awards dates are widely reported annually; the 98th Oscars ceremony is confirmed for that March date based on the official Academy calendar.)

Why Homebound matters

The film’s blend of local narrative rooted in rural aspiration and universal themes of dignity and friendship has helped it stand out on the global stage. With backing from acclaimed producers and executive producers such as Martin Scorsese, Homebound has become a focal point in discussions about the evolving reach of Indian cinema in world cinema circles

]]> Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound hits the headlines for the wrong reasons; deets here https://mangobunch.in/showbiz/neeraj-ghaywans-homebound-hits-the-headlines-for-the-wrong-reasons-deets-here/ Fri, 30 May 2025 17:36:50 +0000 https://mangobunch.in/?p=56220

Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa’s Homebound received a terrific response at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, this month. However, days after the festival Neeraj Ghaywan’s film has been trending again. As per the reports, independent filmmaker Abhinav Singh has placed accusations on Homebound cinematographer Pratik Shah of ‘being emotionally abusive and highly manipulative.’

Controversy involving Abhinav Singh and Pratik Shah

Abhinav Singh shared on Instagram stories about a “predator” in the showbiz. He mentioned that women often avoid speaking up against the evil due to “generational, cultural, deeply ingrained training”.

He claimed that his revelation encouraged 20 more women to bring to him similar experiences in the industry. He bluntly added that women had to pay a price for unleashing the truth. Later he appealed the men to use their “privilege” and “ask difficult questions,” against the inappropriate behavior.

“And do it not just for your mothers, daughters, or sisters but for your friends, your colleagues, your peers. Being a man is not about “being able to get it up.” Being a man, being human – is about showing up,” Abhinav penned. In another story he mentioned the choice of “confrontation” rather becoming “part of the problem.”

Pic Courtesy: Abhinav Singh Instagram

Source: Pinkvilla 

Initially he did not mention the name of cinematographer Pratik Shah, nonetheless in continued updates he disclosed it.

“The number of women who’ve reached out to me is honestly frightening. I feel like I’m having a Margot Robbie moment from Bombshell. I will not be silenced. And to those still employing him- f*ck you. His name is Pratik Shah. He’s a cinematographer,” he finally mentioned the name.

Pic Courtesy: Abhinav Singh Instagram

Source: Pinkvilla 

Amidst the flurry of reaction online, Pratik Shah has supposedly deactivated his Instagram account. His page now features a message- “user not found” indicating either being deleted or disabled.

Celebrities arrive in support of Abhinav Singh

Filmmaker and writer Srishti Riya Jain posted a thread from Reddit wherein people discussed about the tendency to “habitually slid into women’s DMs”.

Srishti wrote, “To everyone pretending to act shocked, scandalized and suddenly awoken from their slumber….THIS man who worked on one of the ‘most empathetic’ films of the year, as per their interviews at Cannes. Has been on the prowl since 4 years.”

Smriti Kiran, founder and director, Pola Dot Slight Box, endorsed the allegations with an inclusion that she too receives such complaints from women from the industry.

Pic Courtesy: Instagram

Source: Pinkvilla 

About Pratik Shah

As mentioned in the official IMDb page, Shah is an American cinematographer who belongs from Dallas, Texas. He received a degree in Fine Art Photography at the Corcoran College of Art + Design, located in Washington, DC, under the BFA program, and thereafter pursued cinematography under the MFA program at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA.

His other projects include CTRL, Jubilee, and the critically lauded, Homebound.

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