Homebound, India’s Oscar entry starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, streams on Netflix from November 21. [Photo: X]
Homebound is ready for its global digital debut after a praised theatrical run. The film, which explores friendship, ambition, and the pressures faced by young Indians, is India’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards. The movie stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in key roles.
Netflix confirmed that Homebound will begin streaming on November 21. The platform shared the announcement on Instagram along with the film’s poster. The note said, "A long road home. A friend who feels like home. Two childhood friends take their shot at living a life of dignity, but there’s a long battle to be won. India’s Official Selection for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Oscars, Homebound, is out 21 November on Netflix."
This release will take the film to viewers across 190 countries. It also marks the film’s shift from festival acclaim to mass accessibility.
Neeraj Ghaywan directed the film and blended Indian storytelling with international cinematic style. The film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra.
Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier joined as co-producers. Global icons Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar served as executive producers, giving the film an additional international push.
Homebound follows Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), two childhood friends who dream of joining the police force. Their bond shapes their ambitions. Janhvi Kapoor plays a pivotal role that adds emotional depth to their journey. The film focuses on friendship, responsibility, dreams, and the social challenges that shape India’s youth.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan said, “Inspired by a true story of friendship, Homebound explores the universal themes of connection and compassion as forms of quiet resistance. After screening in competition at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals and loved by everyone, it has now found a home on Netflix, reaching audiences in 190 countries.”
Producer Karan Johar added, “Homebound is the kind of film that reminds us why stories matter, intimate, layered, and guided with great care by Neeraj. Supporting a film like this has been a privilege. Seeing the film reach Netflix allows it to connect with audiences far beyond its immediate world, and that journey is incredibly special for us at Dharma.”
While many award-contending films rely on large-scale promotions, Homebound has grown through strong word of mouth. Its emotional core, festival appreciation, and global production team helped the film gain organic attention.
With the Netflix release, the film is expected to attract wider international viewers who follow culturally rooted stories with universal themes.
The film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section. It received warm reviews there. It also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and won the Second Runner-Up position for the International Audience Choice Award. Homebound will be available on Netflix from tomorrow.
