Homebound actress Shalini Vatsa believes the film will stand the test of time despite missing Oscars 2026

(L-R) Ishaan Khatter with Shalini Vatsa

Last week delivered a disappointing moment to Indian cinephiles when Homebound, the country's official entry to the 98th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film, didn't make it to the nominations list. But Shalini Vatsa, who played the grieving mother of Vishal Jethwa's character in Neeraj Ghaywan's directorial venture, is looking at the film's journey through a lens far wider than the Oscars race. "Homebound's journey is all about appreciation and acknowledgement of Indian cinema as it stands today," said the actor.

An adaptation of Basharat Peer's article for The New York Times, the Ishaan Khatter and Jethwa-starrer revolves around two friends from marginalised communities who struggle to return to their village during the 2020 pandemic-induced lockdown.

To Vatsa, the film's deep emotional impact on the audience is its true measure of success. She added, "Every piece of art has its own trajectory. The life of a film increases because of OTT platforms. I'm convinced that Homebound will stand the test of time, not only in India, but also globally."

For the actor, the moving story wasn't the only draw. A big incentive was the opportunity to work with Ghaywan. "I have loved Neeraj's work - be it Masaan [2015], Geeli Pucchi [from Ajeeb Daastaans, 2021], his episode in Made in Heaven 2, or Juice [2017]. So, when I got a call to be part of his next, I was excited."

May 21 ‘Homebound' premièred in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival 2025.

September 14 It was the second runner-up in the International People's Choice category at the Toronto International Film Festival 2025.

September 19 The film was chosen as India's entry to the 2026 Oscars.

December 16 It earned a place in the 15-film shortlist.

Not my first Oscars race

Shalini Vatsa's first film ‘Peepli Live' (2010) was India's official entry to the 2011 Academy Awards