India’s entry for the Oscars, "Homebound," is now out of the race as it failed to make it to the final five. The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles were announced on Thursday.
Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan's acclaimed drama failed to get a nomination in the best international feature film category. Produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, the Hindi language film has enjoyed a strong festival run, beginning with its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival in May last year.
Inspired by an article headlined "Taking Amrit Home" by journalist Basharat Peer in The New York Times, the film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles.
It chronicles the childhood friendship between a Muslim and a Dalit, who aspire to join the police force in search of dignity and social acceptance long denied to them because of their surnames. Hollywood filmmaker Martin Scorsese is attached to the project as an executive producer.
Karan Johar, who produced the film, shared a collage from the movie on his Instagram Stories and wrote , "Proud!!!! Love you @neeraj.ghaywan for allowing us to bask in your light!" Ghaywan shared it on his Stories and wrote, "Thank you, @karanjohar! You have been an absolute rock. Couldn't have come this far without you. Love you!"
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
The final nominees in the category are Brazil's "The Secret Agent", French drama "It Was Just an Accident", Norway's "Sentimental Value", Spain's "Sirat", and Tunisian feature "The Voice of Hind Rajab".
Only three Indian films have made it to the last round — Mehboob Khan's "Mother India" (1957), Mira Nair’s "Salaam Bombay!" (1988), and Ashutosh Gowariker's "Lagaan" (2001).
While all three earned nominations, none went on to win the Oscar.
Follow us
