Vishal Jethwa joins director Neeraj Ghaywan for Homebound screenings in Los Angeles amid Oscar shortlisting

The race to the final nomination of the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category has begun. Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has made it to the top 15 shortlisted films, placing it in strong contention as voting progresses. Vishal Jethwa has flown to Los Angeles with co-actor Ishaan Khatter and Ghaywan to participate in a series of in-person screenings and post-screening discussions across the city. Beginning the year with the Oscar campaign, Jethwa describes it as a “surreal start to the New Year”. “Flying to Los Angeles for the Oscar run of Homebound feels like a dream I’m still processing.”

A source says the itinerary has been designed around Academy-approved screening venues, enabling members from multiple branches to attend. “Each screening is followed by Q&A sessions, where the cast and filmmaker will discuss the film’s narrative choices, performances, and thematic concerns. Vishal is expected to talk about his character preparation and the emotional framework of his role,” the source adds. The campaign includes meetings with guild members and international film committees based in LA. The Homebound team will also engage in press conversations with international and US-based entertainment outlets.