Dreams deferred, but spirits unbroken—that’s the vibe from Vishal Jethwa after ‘Homebound’ bowed out of the 2026 Oscars Best International Feature race. The film, helmed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter alongside Vishal and Janhvi Kapoor, had thrilled in the top 15 but missed the final cut.
Taking to Instagram, Vishal poured out his emotions in a post that’s gone viral. ‘Disappointment is real—we aimed high and fell short of nominations,’ he reflected. Turning philosophy into fuel, he added, ‘True defeat lies in inaction. Our team’s unwavering effort got us to the top 15, associating us with the Oscars. That’s achievement enough, surpassing all expectations.’
Thanks poured out to Neeraj Ghaywan’s masterful direction, Jogi and Karan Johar’s backing, and shoutouts to Ishaan, Janhvi, and the ‘Homebound’ squad. Vishal sealed it with his guru Shoaib Khan’s timeless doha: ‘Waves scare not the determined sailor; triers never truly lose.’
Delving into the narrative, ‘Homebound’ spotlights Shoaib (Ishaan, Muslim) and Chandan (Vishal, Dalit), lifelong friends battling for police jobs against poverty’s grip and caste biases. Janhvi’s nuanced performance elevates the drama.
Having wowed at Cannes and Toronto with standing ovations, the film’s international acclaim lingers. Vishal’s words encapsulate Bollywood’s ethos: Oscars are golden, but grit is priceless. This miss might just propel ‘Homebound’ to greater heights.