Every year, cinema lovers eagerly await the announcement of India’s official entry to the Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars. This year, the big question on everyone’s mind was: Which movie is selected for Oscars from India 2025? The answer came on Friday evening when filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound was officially declared as India’s entry to the 98th Academy Awards in the International Feature Film category. The announcement was made at a Kolkata club in the presence of the 12-member jury led by filmmaker N Chandra and Federation of Film Producers of India (FFI) President Firdausul Hasan. With its powerful storytelling and stellar performances, Homebound has now become India’s hopeful on the global stage.
Homebound: India’s Official Entry to the Oscars 2025
Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in key roles. The film emerged as the unanimous choice of the jury after careful consideration of 24 entries from across the country. According to FFI President Firdausul Hasan, the movie “will carry India’s hopes to the Oscars,” highlighting the commitment of Indian cinema to represent the nation’s talent on international platforms. Jury chairman N Chandra described Homebound as “very well researched and well executed, with exceptional performances.”
The film’s selection is not only a recognition of Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial vision but also a testament to the growing strength of Indian storytelling in world cinema. Over the years, Indian entries have made a strong impact at the Oscars, and this year, expectations are soaring once again.
The Journey of Homebound
Neeraj Ghaywan, already acclaimed for his previous works such as Masaan, has once again delivered a story that blends human emotions with deep-rooted social themes. Homebound has been praised for its poignant narrative, realistic direction, and moving performances by its leading cast. Ishaan Khatter brings intensity, Vishal Jethwa showcases depth in his portrayal, and Janhvi Kapoor adds authenticity to the storytelling.
The film’s subject and execution impressed the jury enough to outshine other big-budget and high-profile films, proving that content-driven cinema continues to find its place in prestigious global competitions.
The Full List of Films in the Race
India had 24 films competing for the official entry slot to the 2025 Oscars. These films spanned different languages and genres, showcasing the diversity of Indian cinema. Here’s the full list of films that were considered:
- I Want to Talk (Hindi)
- Tanvi The Great (Hindi)
- The Bengal Files (Hindi)
- Pushpa 2 (Telugu)
- Homebound (Hindi)
- Kesari Chapter 2 (Hindi)
- Superboys of Malegaon (Marathi)
- Sthal (Marathi)
- Kannappa (Telugu)
- Meta The Dazzling Girl (Silent Film)
- Sambar Bonda (Marathi)
- Dashavatar (Marathi)
- Vanvaas (Marathi)
- Paani (Marathi)
- Gandhi Tatha Chettu (Telugu)
- Aata Thambaycha Naay (Marathi)
- Sekhar Kammula’s Kubera (Telugu)
- Boong (Manipuri)
- Sankranthiki Vasthunnam (Telugu)
- Humans in the Loop (Hindi)
- Jugnuma (Hindi)
- Phule (Hindi)
- Veera Chandrahasa (Kannada)
- Pyre (Hindi)
Each of these films brought something unique to the table, but ultimately, Homebound stood out for its execution, research, and the emotional connection it establishes with viewers.
Why Homebound Was Chosen
Several factors worked in favor of Homebound. Firstly, its ability to strike a balance between powerful storytelling and cinematic brilliance gave it an edge. Secondly, the film’s social relevance and universal themes made it relatable not only to Indian audiences but also to international viewers. The performances by Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa were widely appreciated for their authenticity and depth, which further cemented the film’s selection.
According to jury chairman N Chandra, the decision was tough because of the quality of entries this year. However, Homebound “stayed one step ahead,” making it the unanimous choice. This selection reflects the evolving preferences of Indian cinema, where content-driven films are gaining priority over purely commercial ventures.
India’s Legacy at the Oscars
India has had a long and inspiring journey at the Academy Awards. From classics like Mother India and Lagaan to recent hits like RRR and The Elephant Whisperers, Indian cinema has consistently proven its potential to shine on the global stage. While India has yet to secure a win in the Best International Feature Film category, hopes remain high with entries like Homebound.
The selection of Homebound adds another chapter to India’s Oscar journey, bringing international attention not only to the film but also to the broader spectrum of Indian cinema. The global recognition helps Indian filmmakers gain a platform to tell more stories, breaking cultural and geographical boundaries.
Expectations from Homebound at the Oscars 2025
With its selection, Homebound now faces the task of impressing the Academy voters. The competition in the International Feature Film category is always fierce, with strong contenders from across the globe. However, with its powerful narrative, social relevance, and stellar performances, Homebound has all the ingredients to make a lasting impact.
If the film succeeds in securing a nomination, it would mark another significant milestone for Indian cinema. A win, of course, would be historic, putting Neeraj Ghaywan and his team in the global spotlight.
Conclusion
So, which movie is selected for Oscars from India 2025? The answer is Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound. With its compelling story, heartfelt performances, and strong direction, the film has become India’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards in the International Feature Film category. Beating out 23 other entries, Homebound now carries the nation’s hopes for international recognition. As the world awaits the Oscars night, Indian cinema enthusiasts will be rooting for this powerful film to make history.
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About the Author:
Rohit Kumar
I am a skilled content writer and SEO expert with a passion for crafting engaging and informative content. I currently work at Possible11, where I contribute to the company's blog and social media channels. I am also a contributing writer for several online publications. With over 500 articles under my belt, I have a deep understanding of how to create high-quality content that resonates with readers and drives traffic. I am also an expert in SEO, and I know how to optimize content for search engines to improve its visibility. I am a valuable asset to any team, and I am always ready to take on new challenges.
