Janhvi Kapoor Creates History With India’s Oscars 2026 Entry
Janhvi Kapoor, who has been struggling for a hit for a long time, but this news made her fans happy.
By: Shanaz B Syed | 20 Sept 2025 11:55 AM ISTJanhvi Kapoor, who has been struggling for a hit for a long time, but this news made her fans happy. She has made India proud as her film Homebound was selected as the country’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards. The Film Federation of India announced the news on Friday, September 20, bringing widespread excitement among fans and the film fraternity. Janhvi and the film’s team shared their happiness on social media, celebrating this significant achievement.
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, who is popular in Bollywood and produced by director and actor Karan Johar, Homebound narrates the journey of two boys from rural India as they strive for government jobs, encountering challenges related to caste and religion simply and strikingly. Drawing from real events, the film underscores the struggles faced by common people in their quest for dignity and equality. Janhvi Kapoor referred to the project as "a reward of my life," reflecting her strong connection to the story and her pride in being a part of it.
The film has already received international recognition. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May to a standing ovation and later won the second runner-up award in the People’s Choice category at the Toronto International Film Festival. The acclaim has made Homebound an important showcase for Indian cinema, demonstrating compelling storytelling and performances on a global stage. Karan Johar congratulated the team on Instagram, calling the selection “an honor” and praising the film’s achievements.
Homebound is set to release in theaters on September 26. It will now compete with over 100 international entries for a spot on the Academy Awards’ final shortlist. With Janhvi Kapoor’s performance and Neeraj Ghaywan’s direction, the film has the potential to make a mark at the Oscars, representing both India’s cinematic talent and a proud milestone for a young actress taking bold steps in her career.
