Ishaan Khatter has been making headlines for his performance in "Homebound", a film that explores the depths of friendship against a backdrop of social and political issues. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, "Homebound" tells the story of two childhood friends, Shoaib (played by Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (played by Vishal Jethwa), who navigate the challenges of their aspirations to become police officers in a North Indian town.
Khatter recently spoke about the film's core theme, emphasizing its dedication to portraying male friendship without resorting to clichés or trivialization. In an interview with Anupama Chopra for The Hollywood Reporter India, Khatter highlighted that the film retains the true spirit of friendship. He noted that while an original romantic subplot was eventually cut from the film, the essence of the story remained focused on the bond between Shoaib and Chandan.
The film has garnered attention not only for its performances but also for its socially relevant narrative. "Homebound" delves into the socio-political frameworks prevalent in rural India, shedding light on issues such as caste discrimination and the pressures faced by young Indians. Chandan, who is Dalit, and Shoaib, who is Muslim, see their dreams of joining the police force as a means of escaping the constant harassment and discrimination they face. However, their journey is fraught with challenges, especially when their exam results are delayed.
"Homebound" has received widespread recognition, including being selected as India's official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards. Karan Johar, the producer of the film, expressed his elation and pride in the film's journey, from its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival to its Oscar shortlist selection. The film received a nine-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival.
The film features Janhvi Kapoor in a key role, adding emotional depth to the storyline. "Homebound" was inspired by a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer, "Taking Amrit Home". The article recounts the story of two young migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdown, which resonated with director Neeraj Ghaywan and prompted him to create this film.
"Homebound" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025 and was also showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. The film was released in theaters on September 26, 2025 and later made available on Netflix on November 21, 2025. In addition to Karan Johar, the film boasts an extensive list of executive producers, including Martin Scorsese.
