"Homebound," starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, and directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been released in Indian theaters on September 26, 2025. The film, which is India's official entry for the 2026 Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category, had a modest opening day at the box office, collecting approximately ₹30 lakh.

Storyline and Themes

"Homebound" explores the themes of friendship, survival, and social issues within India. The film is based on a New York Times article by Basharat Peer, "A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway," and it tells the story of two childhood friends from a small village in North India. These friends dream of becoming police officers to gain respect, but their friendship is tested by systemic challenges and personal struggles. The film is set during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the hardships faced by marginalized communities.

Casting and Performances

The film stars Ishaan Khatter as Shoaib and Vishal Jethwa as Chandan, with Janhvi Kapoor in a supporting role. Critics have praised the performances of the lead actors, noting their ability to portray the vulnerability and emotional depth of their characters. Khatter's performance has been described as a career-defining one, while Jethwa has been lauded for his raw and honest portrayal. Ghaywan cast Khatter and Jethwa because he was looking for actors who understood that the film is bigger than their desire to deliver an impressive permanence.

Direction and Production

Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his film "Masaan," directed "Homebound". The film is produced by Dharma Productions. Martin Scorsese, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker, has supported the film as an executive producer. Ghaywan's direction has been commended for its sensitive portrayal of marginalized communities and its ability to capture the social fabric of India. The film has a runtime of 122 minutes.

Accolades and Recognition

"Homebound" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film has been selected as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.

Box Office Performance

Despite positive reviews and international recognition, "Homebound" had a slow start at the Indian box office. Industry insiders had predicted a modest opening, and the film's day 1 collection was around ₹30 lakh. The film's box office performance may have been affected by competition from other releases and limited promotion. However, its strong storyline and positive word-of-mouth could help it perform well in the long run.

Censor Board Modifications

Prior to its release, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) requested 11 modifications to "Homebound," including trimming 77 seconds of footage and altering a cricket match sequence. These changes resulted in the film receiving a U/A 16+ certificate.