“It was a very difficult choice. These were films that touched the lives of people,” N Chandra said.

“We were not judges but coaches. We were searching for players who have made their mark,” he added.

The 12-member selection committee comprised producers, directors, writers, editors and journalists.

Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles.

It portrays the story of two childhood friends from a small north Indian village who chase a police job that promises them the dignity they have long been denied.