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In a proud moment for Indian cinema, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound has been announced as India’s official entry to the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.

Starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, the film’s selection was praised for its emotional depth and cultural relevance. The announcement, made in Kolkata by selection committee chairperson N. Chandra left the team “in a state of disbelief.”

While cinephiles celebrated its selection as the country’s representative at the 2026 Academy Awards, outrage is mounting over claims that the Indian Censor Board has “butchered” the film with heavy cuts.

Here’s all about it!

Oscar entry ‘Homebound’ faces censorship hurdles at CBFC

Dharma Productions

The functioning of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has come into sharp focus even as Homebound is nominated for an Oscar. However, the film reportedly encountered multiple hurdles at home.

According to the Indian Express, Homebound received a warm reception at Cannes and Toronto and yet it was "destroyed in parts", said a unit member, by the cuts and changes imposed at home.

It is directed by national award-winner Ghaywan, backed by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and scheduled for release in India on September 26.

According to The Indian Express, Ghaywan chose not to comment, but insiders at Dharma revealed the team had to wait almost three months just to get a screening date from the CBFC. When the screening finally happened, it was described as “very hostile,” with the filmmakers allegedly being told to tone down or remove several caste references, a demand that has left many questioning how much of the film’s essence was compromised.

"The director was distraught but the producers reminded him of the ordeal faced by our Dhadak 2 (on caste and social discrimination), which suffered a significant delay in release (and was eventually granted an U/A certificate with 16 cuts in May)," said a member of the production team.

A CBFC source added, "The board has multiple members in Mumbai but Nagabharana was called from Bengaluru to head the RC (for Homebound). He tore into Neeraj...to justify all the cuts and changes made on caste references."

Fans slam CBFC cuts in Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’

Dharma Productions

Following the update, fans expressed their disappointment and poured in their reactions.

An X user wrote, “But they could take the legal avenue and fight the cuts in court. That option is there, and they have the resources to do it. At least try, people would appreciate that even. This feels like a business decision (which it is I guess). Just doesnt sit right :/”

Another user questioned the report and wrote, “But wouldn't it be the censored version that they'll be sending to the Oscars given this is a wide release? I'm really confused as to how Dharma is distributing it across the world. The duration seems to be 122 minutes everywhere”

A user also wrote, “I have no idea. Ive referred to Indian Express' reporting here. Linked to them also. Its possible things were modified instead of cut, and Dharma can easily release different versions in different regions. Not a big deal.”

There was also a comment that read, “Remember kids, if your government censors anything to protect their conservative views, it is your moral responsibility to pirate the uncut”

What are your thoughts?

Social and lead image Credits: Dharma Productions

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