Vicky Kaushal recently attended a special screening of Homebound, offering high praise for the film. The movie, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, has garnered significant attention as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.

Kaushal, among other Bollywood celebrities, attended the Mumbai premiere of Homebound. Following the screening, Kaushal shared his thoughts on the film, describing it as an emotional journey. He stated that Homebound "calms you, breaks you, makes you speechless".

Homebound has already been making waves, having premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section. The film is based on a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer and explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the social pressures faced by individuals from marginalized communities. The story revolves around two childhood friends from a modest village in North India who dream of becoming police officers. Their journey highlights the systemic barriers and emotional challenges that test their bond.

Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his work in Masaan, brings his signature realism and sensitivity to Homebound, exploring class and caste dynamics, as well as the complexities of male friendship. Ghaywan deliberately cast Kapoor, Khatter, and Jethwa to balance the film's artistic integrity with its ability to reach a wider audience. He emphasized that the story remains the most important element of the film.

The film has been described as deeply affecting and courageously political. Homebound confronts viewers with the harsh realities of society and encourages reflection on life's uncertainties. It is also inspired by Basharat Peer's essay, "Taking Amrit Home". Every frame in Homebound is crafted with care. The dialogues touch the heart and capture the needs of today's times without being preachy.

At a press conference, Vishal Jethwa spoke about how the film helped him embrace his true identity while confronting societal prejudices. He highlighted the challenges faced by those who are not fluent in English, noting how they are often judged by their class. Ishaan Khatter mentioned that working on the film reshaped his understanding of responsibility as an artist.

The premiere of Homebound drew a large crowd of Bollywood personalities. The event also caught attention due to the presence of ex-couple Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora, who were seen sharing a hug.

Homebound is scheduled for theatrical release on September 26, 2025.