I’ll be totally honest with you every year we send a movie to the Oscars, and every year I prepare myself for that same old disappointment. But today, January 6, 2026, feels completely different. I just saw the official shortlist from the Academy, and seeing Oscars 2026 Homebound sitting right there in the Top 15 literally gave me goosebumps. It’s not just a list for me; it feels like a personal victory for every Indian who has spent nights waiting for our cinema to get its due respect.
I’ve been tracking Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter’s journey in this film since the first day of shooting, and I always had this nagging feeling in my gut that this story was special. It’s not your typical loud Bollywood drama; it’s a quiet, soul-stirring piece of art that Neeraj Ghaywan has crafted with so much love. Watching it make the cut against 90 other countries is a huge statement.
I’m sitting here, staring at the names on my screen, and I can’t help but think are we finally going to repeat the ‘RRR’ magic, or maybe even go beyond? The competition from Japan and France is brutal, I know, but there is something about ‘Homebound’ that feels unbeatable this year. To me, it’s no longer about just being ‘shortlisted.’ It’s about that hope that on the night of the ceremony, we might actually hear India’s name being called. If this doesn’t make it to the final five, I’ll be truly heartbroken, because stories this honest don’t come around every day
Homebound (2025 Indian film), directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, stars Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter and has been selected as India’s official entry for the Academy Awards 2026.
I’ll be totally real with you when I woke up this morning and saw the news that Oscars 2026 Homebound made it to the Top 15 shortlist, I thought I was still dreaming. Every single year, we send a movie to the Academy, and every year, we get our hearts broken. But today, January 6, 2026, feels a bit different. Out of more than 90 countries from Japan to France our movie is standing tall.
Honestly, I used to be one of those people who criticized Janhvi Kapoor for being a ‘nepo-kid.’ But after seeing her performance in this film, I have to shut my mouth. She and Ishaan Khatter have put their souls into this. Even though I’m happy, a part of me is still scared. Will these Hollywood voters actually give us the trophy, or is it just another “participation certificate”? My gut feeling is mixed, but seeing India’s name on that official list on the Academy’s website gave me real goosebumps. We aren’t just here to fill the seats anymore; we are here to fight.
Oscars 2026 Homebound: The Good, The Bad, and The Boring: My Raw Review
Let’s talk about the movie itself without the sugar-coating. Director Neeraj Ghaywan is a genius, we all know that, but Oscars 2026 Homebound is not your typical masala Bollywood flick. If you’re looking for item songs and flying cars, you’ll be disappointed. In fact, to be completely blunt, the first half of the movie is quite slow. I almost felt like checking my phone in the middle.
However, the second half is where the magic happens. The way it captures the struggle of ordinary Indians is just raw and heartbreaking. The cinematography is world-class, but I still feel the editing could have been tighter. Some critics are calling it a masterpiece, while some local fans might find it a bit “boring” because it’s so realistic. But hey, that’s exactly what the Oscar jury loves, right? They love ‘art’ and ‘pain.’ My opinion? It’s a brave film, but it’s definitely not for everyone. It’s made for the global stage, not just for the single screen theaters in India.
Oscars 2026 Homebound : The Politics of Hollywood: Can We Beat the Giants?
Now, let’s look at the cold, hard data. Being in the Top 15 is great, but the real war starts now. On January 22, 2026, they will announce the Final 5. If you ask me, this isn’t just about acting; it’s about marketing. With Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla backing this project, you can bet there’s a lot of money being spent on “FYC” (For Your Consideration) campaigns in Los Angeles.
Historically, India hasn’t made it to the Final 5 in the International Feature category since ‘Lagaan’ in 2001. That’s a 25-year-old dry spell! We won for ‘RRR’ in the song category, but the ‘Best Film’ trophy is the one we really want. Our biggest threats are the Japanese animated films and the French dramas they always have a huge lobby in the Academy. I’m honestly worried that despite being a great film, we might lose out to some high-budget European movie. It feels like a “David vs. Goliath” battle, and I’m just praying that the jury looks at the story and not the country’s influence.
If you’re curious whether the hype is real, read our Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) Review where we tested the phone’s AI camera, battery life, and real-world performance.
My Final Verdict: Gold Medal or Just a Dream?
So, what’s the bottom line? Do I think we are winning? I’d say there is a 90% chance we make it to the Final 5. But winning the actual Oscar? That’s going to take a miracle. I feel like ‘Homebound’ is the most honest film we’ve sent in decades, but the competition is brutal this year.
For Janhvi Kapoor, this is her “make or break” moment. If she stands on that red carpet in March 2026, it will be the biggest “shut up” to all her trolls. I have my doubts about the slow pacing of the movie, and I’m still a bit skeptical about how the Academy treats Indian cinema, but for the first time in a long time, I have hope. Whether we win or lose, this January 6 update has changed the way the world looks at Bollywood. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for January 22nd. If we make the Top 5, I’m throwing a party!
The Final Take: My Honest “Desi” Verdict on Oscars 2026 Homebound
Oscars 2026 Homebound
To wrap it all up, let’s be real for a second being in the Top 15 is a massive achievement, but my “Desi” heart won’t be satisfied until I see that gold trophy in an Indian hand. I’ve seen enough hype in my life to know that the road from the Top 15 to the Final 5 is like a high-stakes cricket match where anything can happen in the last over.
Meanwhile, fans are also excited about other major releases, including the Jana Nayagan release date (January 9), which is already creating strong buzz online.
Here is my “Simple Desi logic” to understand the entire situation:
- The “Janhvi” Factor: Love her or hate her, the girl has worked her skin off. If an Indian actress makes it to the Oscar stage on January 22, 2026, it’s a slap for everyone who thinks Bollywood is just about “glamour and zero talent.”
- The “Slow Movie” Risk: I’m still worried that the slow pace of Oscars 2026 Homebound might bore some people, but then again, these award juries love films that make them feel “sad and deep.” So, maybe our weakness is actually our biggest strength this time?
- The Money Game: Let’s not act innocent with Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla backing this, there is enough power to make some noise in Hollywood. In today’s world, you need both a good heart and a deep pocket to win an Oscar.
- My Final Prayer: I’m keeping my expectations in check because I don’t want another “heartbreak” moment. But after seeing the global data and the 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, I’m 90% sure we are getting into the Final Nominations.
My Opinion? Don’t just look at it as a movie; look at it as India finally finding its voice. Whether we win or lose, the fact that a “Homebound” story is making world news on January 6, 2026, is enough to make me happy for now. But hey, if we win… I’m telling you, it’s going to be a bigger celebration than winning the World Cup!
Let’s wait for the final list. Fingers crossed, eyes on the screen, and heart in my mouth!
Pingback: Jana Nayagan release date What Everyone Missed in Vijay’s Film | Jan 9