The poignant drama Homebound has been selected as India's official Oscar nominee for 2026.
The movie, which was co-written by Sumit Roy, has already garnered praise at international film festivals and is currently getting ready for what may be its most ambitious run to date.
Speaking with India Today, Sumit shared his emotions—equal parts surprise, pride, and excitement.
“I honestly didn’t expect the announcement today—it caught me off guard,” he said, clearly still processing the moment. “But it’s a huge honour. Representing India on a global stage like the Oscars... it’s not something that happens every day. It’s a big responsibility too.”
Roy spoke with deep admiration for director Neeraj, who he says lived and breathed this film for over two years. “I’ve seen the kind of dedication Neeraj brought to this project—he’s been at it with total honesty and heart. This recognition feels like a tribute to that kind of filmmaking.”
At its core, Homebound is about people on the fringes of society—those often overlooked or unheard. The story follows two best friends, played by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, who dream of becoming police officers while navigating the realities of caste and religion. Janhvi Kapoor joins them in this emotional journey, portraying a character fighting similar battles. “The message of the film is simple, but powerful,” Roy said. “It asks us to look at others—especially those we may not understand—with empathy. And I think that’s something the world really needs right now.”
When asked if he believes the film could actually bring the Oscar home, Roy stayed humble. “It’s a long road. We’ll do everything we can to get it in front of the right eyes. But after that, you have to leave a little room for destiny. So far, this film has moved on its own, in a way. Things have just… happened.”
Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan on Aryan Khan's filmmaking: 'I also wanted to be a director not an actor'
Roy’s phone, unsurprisingly, hasn’t stopped buzzing. “My WhatsApp and DMs are out of control,” he laughed. “But what I’m most looking forward to is sharing this film with audiences here at home. It’s travelled the world, but it’s full of desi emotion. Watching it with Indian audiences—that’s the real prize.”
Homebound hits cinemas on 26 September 2025.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
