Mari Selvaraj hails Oscars 2026 shortlisted Homebound: I did not speak with anyone for some days, it made me…

Bison director Mari Selvaraj talks about Homebound, one of the films shortlisted for Oscars 2026 and the impact it created on him after watching it.

Mari Selvaraj on Homebound

As we come to the closing day of 2025, this year has seen some of the powerful, interesting, and impactful films. The maker of one such film director Mari Selvaraj who helmed Bison of this year, was in all praises for the Hindi film Homebound, which is currently shortlisted for Oscars 2026.

Mari Selvaraj talks about Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound:

Mari Selvaraj has directed this year’s Bison Kaalamaadan, a sports drama that also doubled up as powerful social commentary. In a recent roundtable with Sudhir Srinivasan, Mari Selvaraj who was one of the panellists, talked about Hindi film Homebound, an equally powerful tale on oppression.

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

“I watched it on OTT, and did not expect the film will have an impact on me. For 2-3 days, I was disturbed and began to think about how we traversed through Corona lockdown period. I did not speak with anyone for some days and it made me think on how can we make cinema which is more authentic and real,” Mari Selvaraj said. The Bison director also talked about the impact Homebound created as a filmmaker, given Homebound is raw, realistic, and hard-hitting tale of two migrant labourers from marginalised communities.

Where to watch Homebound on OTT?

The critically acclaimed film Homebound is available for streaming on Netflix. The film is directed by filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan and stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. With Martin Scorsese as executive producer, Homebound is shortlisted in the best international feature category at the upcoming Oscars 2026.

Also read: Homebound: Dhruv Vikram on Ishaan Khatter’s performance, ‘he makes you feel emotions of shame and humiliation’

Based on an article by Basharat Peer which appeared on New York Times, Homebound revolves around two childhood friends who have seen the discrimination and oppression on the basis of their religion and caste, from society, as they aspire to pass the police exam. The film also explores how the two men are caught during the Covid-19 lockdown and are unable to reach their homes.

Homebound FAQs

Q. Is Homebound based on a true story?

A. Yes, Homebound is based on a true story about two migrant workers who were helpless during the Covid-19 lockdown in India.

Q. Is Homebound on OTT?

A. Yes, Homebound is now streaming on Netflix.

Q. What is the story of Janhvi Kapoor Homebound?

A. Homebound is a story of two youngsters who want to secure police jobs, the only way they can earn dignity in society. But the dream appears far fetched due to their socio-political status in Indian society.

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