It’s incredibly frustrating but not surprising that India was snubbed at the Oscars again this year. Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound is a cinematic masterpiece. A gritty, emotional story about rural friends chasing the police force for social dignity, it had everything the Academy usually loves. It even conquered Cannes and made the 15-film shortlist! Yet, it missed the final five. Why? Because the Oscars aren't just about merit; they are about massive, multi-million dollar PR campaigns in North America. If a film doesn't get a wide US theatrical release or host endless exclusive screenings for Academy voters in Los Angeles, it gets ignored. We need to stop seeking Western validation for our cinema when the game is clearly rigged in favor of studios with deeper pockets for lobbying. Indian cinema is global now, Oscars or not. #cinema #culture #awards