Homebound shortlisted for 2026 Oscars. Karan Johar calls it a passion project, highlights creative freedom, Adar Poonawalla collaboration, and awards journey.

Recently, Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar, garnered international notice after being selected as one of the 15 nominees for the 2026 Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category. As he reflected on the achievement, Karan characterized the movie as a very personal effort, emphasizing that it was never motivated by business interests and that he did not anticipate any financial gains.

Karan Johar’s collaboration with Adar Poonawalla

Following the sale of a 50% share in Dharma Productions to Adar Poonawalla, Karan also discussed his work there in an interview with PeepingMoon and Telly MEK. The creative reigns are still firmly in his hands, he made clear. “Adar is one of the most gracious partners I could ever dream of,” Karan stated in reference to his business partner. He is a missionary with a broad perspective. In order to diversify and try something new, he did make this choice. I continue to be the creative voice and leader. He doesn’t discuss that. He is completely non-interfering. He’ll see the bigger picture and move on.

The Oscar adventure of Homebound

Expanding on Homebound’s Oscar voyage, Karan disclosed that, despite the costly awards campaign, money was never an issue. He remembers telling Adar, “We were doing Homebound,” while talking about the process’ realities. I explained to him that running an Oscar campaign is expensive and may occasionally be a never-ending sinkhole. Because you have no idea what the outcome will be or if you will even be included in the shortlist of 15 and then 5. It’s a difficult undertaking.

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He went on to discuss the amount of work needed to promote a movie during the awards season. Karan stated, “You have to hire publicists and travel and make noise and do media abroad and screenings abroad,” noting Adar’s steadfast reaction. However, Adar responded, “Karan, let’s do everything we can because this is a fantastic opportunity and a fantastic movie.” For this one, let’s not consider profit and loss. Let’s prioritize passion over financial gain. That is what we did. For us, it’s not a way to earn money. We’ll make other movies to survive, but Homebound was always a passion project. It’s all about credibility. The movie doesn’t contain any financial games.

Considering Homebound

Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, follows the heartbreaking and dramatic journey of two migrant laborers who are trying to get back home during the COVID-19 lockdown. Janhvi Kapoor plays an important role in the movie, which stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in the lead roles.