Neeraj Ghaywan's "Homebound," starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, is generating buzz for its poignant narrative and empathetic approach to complex social issues. Ghaywan emphasizes the importance of empathy, even with those holding opposing viewpoints. This sentiment is woven into the film's core, which explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the harsh realities of caste and opportunity in India.
"Homebound" follows the journey of two childhood friends, Chandan Kumar, a Dalit, (played by Vishal Jethwa) and Mohammed Shoaib Ali, a Muslim, (played by Ishaan Khatter) from a small North Indian village. United by their shared dream of escaping poverty and discrimination, they aspire to become police officers, believing it will bring them the dignity and respect they have long been denied. However, their path is fraught with challenges as they face systemic inequalities, family expectations, and personal struggles that test their friendship. Janhvi Kapoor plays Sudha Bharti, a lower-caste college student, who becomes intertwined in their story, further raising the stakes and testing their loyalty and ambitions.
Ghaywan, known for his critically acclaimed films like "Masaan," returns to the director's chair with a story rooted in truth. "Homebound" is based on Basharat Peer's 2020 New York Times article, "A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway," which recounts the experiences of two young migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdown. The film captures the struggles of rural India and the desperate hope for a better future, exploring the weight of dreams and the crushing realities of class and opportunity.
Ghaywan's commitment to realism and authenticity extends to his casting choices and his approach to working with the actors. He selected actors with talent and a genuine desire to represent marginalized communities. He encouraged them to step outside of their privileged lives to deeply understand their characters. As part of their preparation, Ghaywan had the actors read "Annihilation of Caste" and visit villages to gain firsthand experience of the environments and social realities depicted in the film. To physically embody their characters, Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter underwent emotional transformations that included losing between five and ten kilograms to appear as village boys. Ghaywan clarified that the weight loss was not about achieving a "great body," but about losing muscle to authentically portray the characters.
"Homebound" premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and was selected as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. The film is scheduled to be released theatrically on September 26, 2025.
Ghaywan aims for inclusivity on set, striving for every department to comprise at least 50% women and prioritizing hiring individuals from marginalized communities. He fosters a family-like atmosphere, emphasizing mutual respect and open communication.
"Homebound" explores the complexities of friendship amidst societal pressures, highlighting the importance of kindness and empathy. Ghaywan hopes the film leaves viewers with a sense of resilience, hope, and humanity, encouraging them to see others as equals. The film serves as a reminder that when the system denies dignity, friendship becomes both a refuge and a battleground.
