Janhvi Kapoor has opened up about her experience working on the film Homebound, acknowledging the profound impact director Neeraj Ghaywan had on her approach to acting and understanding of societal issues. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was released in India on September 26, 2025, stars Kapoor alongside Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa. Homebound is inspired by a New York Times article by Basharat Peer, and it explores themes of friendship, caste discrimination, and the struggles of migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdown in India.
Kapoor expressed that Ghaywan's guidance extended beyond mere performance, encouraging her to be more inquisitive and responsible in understanding her surroundings. "From a performance standpoint, he nudged me into being more curious," Kapoor said. "He made me take responsibility for knowing where I come from, for understanding society and my surroundings. That, in turn, helped Sudha, my character, and my entire process. I owe him so much for my ability to think critically now".
Ghaywan's approach involved urging the actors to step outside their privileged lives to grasp the realities faced by their characters. He emphasized the importance of inner hunger and truthfulness in portraying the roles, particularly Kapoor's character, Sudha Bharti, a Dalit girl. Ghaywan stated that he wasn't just searching for acting skill but also "the inner hunger to portray a character with intensity and truth". He added, "This character isn't going to come to you. You have to go to it. You have to step out of your privileged life, confront that reality, and let it settle within you".
Kapoor also praised Ghaywan for creating an environment of respect and humanity on set. She noted that she felt "seen in a way I hadn't before," highlighting Ghaywan's attentiveness not only to the actors but to the entire team. She contrasted this with typical film sets where hierarchies can feel dehumanizing, emphasizing Ghaywan's effort to know everyone's names and treat them with respect.
Homebound tells the story of two childhood friends, Shoaib (played by Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (played by Vishal Jethwa), who dream of joining the police force. The film delves into their aspirations, the challenges they face due to social inequalities, and the impact of the lockdown on their lives. Kapoor plays Sudha Bharti, who encourages Chandan to aim higher.
The film has garnered significant critical acclaim, with praise directed towards Ghaywan's direction, the writing, performances, and its handling of caste-related narratives and social commentary. Homebound has also been selected as India's entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. It made the December shortlist for the Oscars.
Homebound is inspired by a New York Times article that chronicled the journey of two friends, Mohammad Saiyub and Amrit Kumar, during the COVID-19 lockdown. The film captures the essence of their friendship and the hardships they faced. The film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Martin Scorsese serving as an executive producer.
