'Homebound' is India’s official Oscar entry, but what pulled Mollywood back this year?

Neeraj Ghaywan’s 'Homebound' is India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. Backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and featuring acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese as executive producer, 'Homebound' has already garnered significant attention. With its high production value and storyline of global resonance, the film is seen as a strong contender at the Oscars.

Starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in the lead, 'Homebound' was chosen from among 24 films (scroll down for the full list) submitted to the Film Federation of India (FFI). What stands out, however, is the complete absence of Malayalam films from this year’s list.

Interestingly, 'Homebound' will face competition from Malayalam filmmaker Dr Biju’s Tok Pisin-language film 'Papa Buka'; Papua New Guinea’s debut Oscar entry. Expressing his surprise, Dr Biju said: “In 2024, Blessy’s 'Aadujeevitham' was there, while Jude Antony’s '2018' was on the list in 2023. We have been doing this for several years. I am not sure what hindered Malayalam filmmakers this year.”

He dismissed the idea that it was due to lack of awareness. “Filmmakers in Kerala are well aware of the process. There are rules to be followed while applying, and those might have prevented some from submitting this time,” he noted.
Submitting an application costs over ₹1 lakh. “Malayalam cinema has outgrown the low-budget phase, so I don’t think ₹1 lakh is a prohibitive fee for most production banners, unless it’s a very small film,” Dr Biju added.

Director Blessy, who independently submitted 'Aadujeevitham' for Oscar consideration last year, pointed out that government support only comes once a film reaches the final nomination list. “By then it’s too late to start campaigning. The early rounds are the most crucial for marketing,” he said. Blessy also revealed that he was invited to join this year’s FFI jury but declined, citing his disappointment over the national awards process.

The 24 entries to the FFI this year included:

• ‘I Want to Talk’
• ‘Tanvi The Great’
• ‘The Bengal Files’
• ‘Pushpa 2’
• ‘Kesari Chapter 2’
• ‘Superboys of Malegaon’
• ‘Sthal’
• ‘Kannaappa’
• ‘Meta: The Dazzling Girl’
• ‘Sambar Bonda’
• ‘Dashavatar’
• ‘Vanvaas’
• ‘Paani’
• ‘Gandhi Tatha Chettu’
• ‘Aata Thambaycha Naay’
• ‘Kubera’
• ‘Boong’
• ‘Sankranthiki Vasuthannam’
• ‘Humans in the Loop’
• ‘Jugnuma’
• ‘Phule’
• ‘Veera Chandrahasa’
• ‘Pyre’

Among them were 11 Hindi films, three in Telugu, one in Kannada, five Marathi titles, one Manipuri film, and even a silent entry. Some choices, such as 'Pushpa 2' and 'Kannaappa,' drew sharp criticism on Reddit, where cinephiles questioned their merit despite box-office success.

What’s preventing Malayalam films?
Ravi Kottarakara, president of the FFI’s selection committee, acknowledged the calibre of Malayalam cinema but said submitting to the Oscars demands more than creative quality. “Some Malayalam films could definitely compete internationally. But it’s not enough to make a good film—you need the commitment to promote it on a global stage,” he said.

He stressed the importance of international outreach and campaigning: “You have to market your film in the right media, reach global audiences, and participate in the international film community. The jury is diverse—directors, editors, cinematographers from the US, UK, France, Germany, and beyond.”

Ravi also underlined India’s chances this year. “Around 80 films compete in the Best International Feature category. About 10 usually get disqualified because of incomplete paperwork. We’ve ensured that India’s entry meets all requirements.”

Blessy, however, argued that India often limits itself by focusing only on the International Feature Film category. “There are many other categories—Best Director, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography. But we rarely explore them. The real hurdle is money. A proper Oscar campaign requires massive financial backing,” he said.