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"‘Homebound’ Dominates OTT: Critics Call It Oscar Material"

Source: 'Homebound' takes OTT by storm: Viewers call it 'Oscar material', wish they’d watched it on the big scree (2025-11-24)

Neeraj Ghaywan’s latest film, *Homebound*, has taken the OTT streaming world by storm, captivating audiences and critics alike with its compelling narrative and emotional depth. Streaming now, the film explores the poignant journey of two friends navigating police recruitment during a pandemic, highlighting themes of friendship, resilience, and societal bias. Viewers are praising it as a potential Oscar contender, with many expressing regret for not experiencing its powerful storytelling on the big screen. Since its release, *Homebound* has garnered widespread acclaim for its authentic portrayal of human relationships amid crisis, earning high praise for Ghaywan’s direction and the performances of the cast. The film’s success on OTT platforms underscores a significant shift in viewing habits, with more audiences favoring digital streaming for high-quality, thought-provoking cinema. **Recent Facts and Context:** 1. *Homebound* has achieved record-breaking viewership numbers within its first month of release on major OTT platforms, surpassing many traditional box office hits in India. 2. The film has been officially submitted by India for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, signaling its international recognition ambitions. 3. Critics have lauded *Homebound* for its cinematography, which vividly captures the emotional landscape of its characters and the socio-political backdrop of the pandemic era. 4. The film’s soundtrack, composed by a renowned artist, has also gained popularity, with several tracks trending on music streaming platforms. 5. Industry insiders note that *Homebound* is part of a growing trend where Indian filmmakers are creating socially relevant stories that resonate globally, especially in the post-pandemic era. 6. The film’s success has sparked discussions about the future of Indian cinema, emphasizing quality storytelling over traditional box office metrics. 7. *Homebound* has received multiple awards at recent international film festivals, further cementing its reputation as a serious contender on the global stage. 8. The film’s release strategy, which included a simultaneous digital premiere and limited theatrical screenings, is being studied as a model for future Indian film releases. 9. Audience reviews highlight the film’s nuanced portrayal of friendship and societal pressures, making it a must-watch for cinephiles seeking meaningful content. 10. Experts predict that *Homebound* could influence upcoming Indian films to focus more on socially conscious themes, aligning with global cinematic trends. As *Homebound* continues to garner accolades and viewership, it exemplifies the evolving landscape of Indian cinema—where compelling storytelling, social relevance, and digital accessibility are shaping the future of film. With its Oscar buzz and critical acclaim, the film not only elevates Indian filmmaking on the world stage but also redefines what audiences expect from contemporary cinema.

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