Last Updated:September 28, 2025, 09:51 IST

Homebound collected just Rs 80 lakh in two days despite being India’s Oscar entry. The Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa starrer has opened to lukewarm box office numbers.

Homebound hit the theatres on September 26. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

India’s official Oscar entry for 2026, Homebound, has started its box office run on a surprisingly low note. Despite critical acclaim and strong buzz around its selection, the Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor starrer has collected just Rs 80 lakh in two days, according to early trade estimates.

Day 2 collections

As per Sacnilk.com, Homebound opened with Rs 30 lakh on Friday and added another Rs 50 lakh on Saturday, taking its domestic total to Rs 80 lakh nett. The numbers stand in stark contrast to Ishaan’s debut hit Dhadak, which had earned Rs 11.04 crore on its second day. Even Phone Bhoot, considered an average performer, collected Rs 2.75 crore on day two.

For Vishal Jethwa, the comparison is no better – his earlier film Salaam Venky managed Rs 55 lakh on its second day, higher than Homebound.

Critical reception

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film has earned praise from reviewers despite its weak commercial start. News18 Showsha awarded it 4.5 stars, writing, “Homebound’s beauty lies in Neeraj’s uninhibited voice and audacious storytelling. And this stirring narrative is further elevated by superlative performances by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa and their natural camaraderie.”

The review added that the film thrives on “quiet wrath” and “playfulness” brought out by the leads, making their performances some of the year’s finest.

Inspired by real life

Homebound takes inspiration from journalist Basharat Peer’s article Taking Amrit Home (also titled A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway). The story, rooted in loss, friendship, and survival, has been reimagined on screen with Ghaywan’s signature narrative style.

India’s Oscar journey begins

On September 19, 2025, the Film Federation of India announced Homebound as India’s official submission in the Best International Feature Film category for the 2026 Oscars. While the selection has sparked excitement, it is only the first step in a long process before the Academy finalises its nominations.

Shreyanka Mazumdar

Shreyanka Mazumdar is Chief Sub Editor of the entertainment team at News18. With an unbridled passion for all things Bollywood, she loves deep-diving into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, bring…Read More

Shreyanka Mazumdar is Chief Sub Editor of the entertainment team at News18. With an unbridled passion for all things Bollywood, she loves deep-diving into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, bring… Read More