Veteran actor Anupam Kher has publicly expressed his support and best wishes for the filmmaking team behind 'Homebound'. This comes after the movie achieved a significant milestone by being shortlisted for potential nomination in the Best International Film Feature category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.
Kher's Dual Praise for Indian Cinema
While speaking to ANI, Anupam Kher specifically mentioned Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound', stating his hope that the film progresses to the final stage of the Oscars race. In the same conversation, the acclaimed actor also gave a enthusiastic shoutout to another recent release, 'Dhurandhar', starring Ranveer Singh.
Kher did not hold back his admiration for the latter, declaring it his personal favourite film of the year. "'Dhurandhar' is my favourite film of the year. I would like more and more people to go and watch it in large numbers," said the actor, highlighting the overwhelming audience response it has been receiving in theatres.
'Homebound's' Remarkable Oscar Journey
The film 'Homebound', directed by National Award-winner Neeraj Ghaywan, has been officially shortlisted in the prestigious Best International Feature Film category. This places it among an elite group of just 15 titles selected from a massive pool of over 86 submissions from across the globe.
Backed by Dharma Productions, the film was earlier announced as India's official entry to the Oscars. Its advancement to the Academy's shortlist is a major achievement, reaffirming its critical acclaim on the world stage. Director Neeraj Ghaywan expressed profound gratitude for this recognition.
In a statement, Ghaywan said, "'Homebound' was born from a place of quiet truth and an urge to tell stories of those who are unseen. It's a story about empathy and finding one's way back, sometimes to a place, sometimes to yourself. I'm incredibly grateful to the team, to our producers for believing in this story, and to the Academy for appreciating it."
A Historic Moment for Indian Cinema
This shortlisting marks a historic moment, as it represents India's fifth major recognition in the Best International Feature Film category throughout the 98-year history of the Academy Awards. It joins the ranks of iconic Indian films that have previously reached this level, including:
- 'Mother India' (1957)
- 'Salaam Bombay!' (1988)
- 'Lagaan' (2001)
All these films eventually earned Oscar nominations under the earlier five-film nomination format. The narrative of 'Homebound' revolves around childhood friends Shoaib, played by Ishaan Khatter, and Chandan, portrayed by Vishal Jethwa. Their shared aspiration to join the police force shapes their journey, with Janhvi Kapoor adding significant emotional depth to a plot grounded in friendship, duty, and the challenges faced by youth in contemporary India.
Meanwhile, the film 'Dhurandhar', which earned high praise from Anupam Kher, is directed by Aditya Dhar and features Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna in leading roles. The industry and audiences alike are now keenly watching the Oscar trajectory of 'Homebound' as it aims for a historic nomination.
