Homebound Set for OTT Release: Where to Watch India’s Oscar Entry Now

Guwahati 20 November 2025 – Homebound Set for OTT Release: Where to Watch India’s Oscar Entry Now: Fans of heartfelt Indian cinema have reason to celebrate as Homebound, the critically acclaimed drama that made waves at international film festivals, is finally hitting streaming platforms. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in pivotal roles. After a theatrical run that garnered praise but modest box office numbers, Homebound is now available for a wider audience on OTT.

A Gripping Story of Friendship and Ambition

Homebound tells the poignant tale of two childhood friends from a remote village in North India who share a dream of becoming police officers. They believe the uniform will earn them the respect they’ve always craved in their community. But as they edge closer to their goal, mounting pressures, societal challenges, and personal conflicts strain their bond, leading to emotional turmoil. Inspired by a real-life story from a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer, the film explores themes of caste, friendship, and the harsh realities of rural life in India.

The movie, produced by Dharma Productions, boasts a runtime of 122 minutes and features a soundtrack by Amit Trivedi, with a score composed by Naren Chandravarkar and Benedict Taylor. Shooting primarily took place in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, in 2024, and it even had Martin Scorsese as an executive producer, adding a touch of Hollywood prestige.

Box Office Performance: A Critical Darling with Modest Earnings

Despite its rave reviews and festival buzz, Homebound had a quiet run at the Indian box office following its theatrical release on September 26, 2025. The film opened to ₹0.30 crore on its first day and managed a weekend collection of ₹1.40 crore. By the end of its first week, it had earned ₹2.46 crore, with the total lifetime net collection in India settling at around ₹4.58 crore. Worldwide figures were similar, as overseas earnings remained negligible, making it a commercial flop but a artistic triumph.

Here’s a breakdown of the key box office milestones in a table for clarity:

Period	India Net Collection (₹ crore)
Opening Day	0.30
Opening Weekend	1.40
Week 1	2.46
Lifetime Total	4.58

These numbers, sourced from industry trackers, highlight how the film struggled against bigger releases but found its strength in word-of-mouth and critical acclaim. The estimated budget was around ₹3 crore, keeping it a low-stakes project that prioritized storytelling over spectacle.

Festival Accolades and Oscar Buzz

Homebound premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. It went on to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival, Warsaw Film Festival, and others, picking up several awards along the way. Here’s a list of its notable achievements:

• Nominated for the Un Certain Regard Award at Cannes (Director: Neeraj Ghaywan)
• 2nd Runner-up for the International People’s Choice Award at TIFF
• Winner of the Polish Film Institute Award (Audience Award) at Warsaw Film Festival
• Best Director and Best Film at the 2025 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
• Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Zurich Film Festival

Most excitingly, it was selected as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, putting it in the global spotlight.

Where to Watch Homebound Now

The wait is over—Homebound started streaming on Netflix on November 21, 2025, making it accessible to subscribers in over 190 countries. If you’re not already subscribed, Netflix offers plans starting from basic tiers, perfect for binge-watching this emotional rollercoaster. Director Neeraj Ghaywan shared his excitement, saying the OTT release allows the film’s powerful message to reach more homes, inspired by its true-story roots.

Whether you’re drawn to its stellar performances—Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa deliver career-best turns—or its unflinching look at social issues, Homebound is a must-watch. Catch it on Netflix today and see why it’s generating Oscar buzz despite its humble box office haul.