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Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound just made the Oscars 2026 shortlist for Best International Feature Film. Watched it months ago in a near-empty theatre. Same with Phule, a movie on Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, this year. THESE FILMS DESERVE PACKED HOUSES. Why this matters now - - - Homebound isn’t just shortlisted, it’s India’s official entry, showing caste, lockdown brutality, and dignity in a small North Indian village. Yet theatres stayed quiet while "masala" movies roared. Phule faced the same fate - important stories on social reformers, ignored for jingoistic blockbusters. The real cost of empty seats - - - We reward aggressive, fictional nationalism and feel-good escapism, ignoring films that demand empathy and reflection. Nothing wrong with big entertainers, but when they dominate, our kids inherit only noise - no nuance on INEQUALITY, HISTORY, or JUSTICE. Choose better - - - Support Homebound and Phule, and such movies. Stream them, share them, amplify them. The Oscars nod proves their power - now prove audiences have taste too. Do you know such important but ignored movies? Suggest them here. 💚