Bollywood star Ananya Panday is buzzing with excitement over filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s latest project. She recently celebrated the news that “Homebound,” directed by the National Award winner, has been picked as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars 2026.
Ananya shared the big announcement on her Instagram stories, reposting a poster from Dharma Productions that reads: “India’s official entry for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards. Homebound.” In her caption, she gushed, “Wow!! This is incredible. Congratulations to the entire team. I can’t wait to watch this beautiful, heartbreaking film in cinemas. Everything that you make is a master class @neeraj.ghaywan sir.”
Karan Johar, the head of Dharma Productions, broke the news on Friday. The emotional drama follows two childhood friends from a small village in North India. They dream of becoming police officers to earn the respect their families never gave them. But as they chase that goal, mounting pressures and personal struggles test their bond. The movie stars Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa in key roles.
Neeraj Ghaywan shared his joy in a statement, saying he’s “deeply honored” by the selection. “Rooted in the love for our land and our people, it carries the essence of the home we all share,” he added. “To take our stories to the world and represent India at one of the biggest global stages for cinema is both humbling and a matter of pride, and for this I’m deeply grateful.”
“Homebound” made waves earlier this year, premiering in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. The audience gave it a roaring nine-minute standing ovation, proving its powerful storytelling resonates worldwide.
Meanwhile, Ananya Panday keeps busy with her own Bollywood lineup. She’s set to star in the romantic drama “Chand Mera Dil” opposite Lakshya Lalwani. She’ll also team up with Kartik Aaryan in “Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri,” a film shot in stunning locations across Croatia and Rajasthan. It features veteran actors Jackie Shroff and Neena Gupta in pivotal parts, adding extra star power to the mix.
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