New Delhi, Dec 11 (UNI) Shah Rukh Khan has lauded India’s official Oscar entry Homebound, calling the film “gentle, honest and soulful.”
The actor took to X to congratulate the team behind the Ishaan Khatter–Vishal Jethwa starrer, writing, “Lots of love and big hugs to the phenomenal team for creating something so human and engaging. You have won hearts world over by making something truly special!”
Homebound follows childhood friends Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), whose shared dream of joining the police force shapes their journey into adulthood.
Janhvi Kapoor features in a pivotal role, adding emotional resonance to the story of friendship, duty and the social pressures faced by young Indians. The film is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan.
Ghaywan said the film delves into the universal themes of connection and compassion as quiet acts of resistance. “After screening in competition at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals and being loved by everyone, it has now found a home on Netflix, reaching audiences in 190 countries,” he said in a press note. He added that he values his long-standing creative partnership with the streaming platform.
The film has been garnering acclaim on the festival circuit. It premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2025 and later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it bagged the Second Runner-Up award for the International Audience Choice Award.
India’s official contender for the 2026 Oscars, ‘Homebound’ is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra, with Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan du Plantier serving as co-producers. Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar are on board as executive producers.
