Ishaan Khatter breaks silence after Homebound Oscar exit: ‘no feeling is final’

Homebound oscar exit

• Homebound missed an Oscar nod but ranked in top 15 international films.
• Ishaan Khatter shared an emotional note, calling the film "a piece of my heart"
• Karan Johar and Neeraj Ghaywan celebrated their film's creative journey.

Did our AI summary help?

Ishaan Khatter has shared his heartfelt reaction after the Indian drama Homebound failed to secure a nomination at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026), describing the setback as “a difficult reality” that the film nonetheless reflects with depth and honesty. The movie, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar, was India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category but did not make it to the final list of nominees announced on January 22.

Taking to Instagram, Ishaan posted an emotional note about Homebound, calling it “a piece of my heart” and acknowledging the powerful story it told. Ishaan wrote, “Homebound is and always was a piece of my heart. It’s a story that took us through a journey inwards after daring to look outside the bubble we identify ourselves in. As difficult a reality as it mirrors, this film has always ultimately been hopeful to me in every way I can relate to it, as a human being, as a cinema person.. and a young actor."

He added, “Today, as we somewhat come to an end of one part of its journey, I know I will always look back at it with love and gratitude.. And as a sort of moral compass. @neeraj.ghaywan I love you, brother. There are very few people I can say this about, but I know I can always trust your conscience as a yardstick. Love to all the heroes behind the camera and to all of you who owned this film and spoke of it like your own. Homebound no feeling is final."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ishaan (@ishaankhatter)

Despite not earning a nomination, Homebound’s inclusion among the top 15 international films considered ahead of the Oscars was itself a significant achievement, marking a notable moment for Indian cinema on the global stage. The film, which stars Ishaan alongside Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, was among a competitive pool of international entries — and although it ultimately missed the final cut, its thematic depth and critical acclaim drew praise from audiences and industry insiders alike.

Also read: Homebound makers Karan Johar and Neeraj Ghaywan share emotional notes after their film exits Oscars 2026

Producer Karan Johar and director Neeraj Ghaywan also shared supportive messages on social media, celebrating the emotional and creative journey that Homebound represented. While the Oscars nomination eluded the film, the response from the cast, crew, and fans underscores the pride and resilience that come with telling meaningful cinema that resonates beyond awards.