Homebound OTT release date: Here's when and where you can stream India's Oscar-entry by Neeraj Ghaywan, featuring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa

Neeraj Ghaywan's acclaimed drama, Homebound India's Oscar entry, hits Netflix on November 21, 2025. Starring Ishaan Khatter & Vishal Jethwa, it critiques caste and religious imbalance.

Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter in a still from Homebound

Homebound a highly acclaimed drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, will officially launch on OTT on November 21, 2025. After a successful theatrical run that began on September 26, 2025, the film—which has garnered widespread acclaim and international recognition—will be available exclusively on Netflix.

Increased accessibility for India's Oscar entry

As a result of the announcement, more people will be able to watch the film, which has become India's official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, and its moving story.

With renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese serving as an executive producer, Homebound provides a moving societal critique set in North India. The film centres on the troubled friendship between Mohammed Shoaib Ali (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan Kumar (Vishal Jethwa), two childhood friends who both aspire to become police officials. Amazingly nuanced writing and direction by Ghaywan complicates their pursuit of the respect and dignity that a government job offers by examining long-standing concerns of religious and caste imbalance.

ALSO READ: Homebound Review: Through Ishaan, Janhvi and Vishal, Ghaywan finds melancholy in the margins we ignore

Supporting character and story inspiration

Sudha Bharti, played by Janhvi Kapoor, is a figure whose personal challenges mirror the structural barriers encountered by oppressed groups. A 2020 New York Times article by Kashmiri writer Basharat Peer detailing the hardships endured by young migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdown is said to have served as the story's inspiration.

Homebound Ghaywan's second feature film, follows the critically acclaimed Masaan from 2015. The critical reception of the new film is on par with, if not higher than, that of its predecessor. The film was reportedly received with a nine-minute standing ovation during its world debut in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

Further festival screenings

After playing to a sold-out crowd at August's Melbourne International Film Festival, the film moved on to Toronto for the 2025 festival, where it will be shown in the Gala Presentation.

After its domestic release, critics lauded Ghaywan's fearless direction, the film's expressive dialogue and writing, and the restrained yet powerful performances of the lead actors, especially Jethwa and Khatter. Reviews consistently praised the film for its delicate treatment of the caste narrative and social commentary, which helped secure India's Oscars submission.

Streaming availability for fans

On November 21, fans who were unable to attend the theatre screening will be able to watch this critically acclaimed and historically significant film on Netflix.

FAQs:

Q: When is the OTT release date for the film Homebound?

A: The critically acclaimed drama Homebound is scheduled for its OTT premiere on November 21, 2025.

Q: Where can I stream the movie Homebound?

A: Homebound will be available to stream exclusively on Netflix starting November 21, 2025, following its theatrical release.

Q: Who directed the film Homebound?

A: The film Homebound was directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, who is known for his debut feature, Masaan (2015).

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