The premiere of Neeraj Ghaywan's "Homebound" at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 has proven to be an emotionally charged event, leaving the director, producer Karan Johar, and the cast profoundly moved. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, received a remarkable nine-minute standing ovation, a testament to its powerful storytelling and impactful performances.
"Homebound," which premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the festival, tells the story of two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who aspire to become police officers. Their dream is fueled by a desire for dignity, something they have long been denied due to their marginalized backgrounds. As they inch closer to their goal, their friendship is tested by the pressures of systemic biases and their own personal sacrifices. The screenplay, co-written by Ghaywan and Sumit Roy, delves into themes of caste, ambition, and the struggles faced by India's often invisible population.
The premiere at the Debussy Theatre was attended by Ghaywan, Karan Johar, and the lead cast, as well as Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra from Dharma Productions. The film marks Janhvi Kapoor's Cannes debut, and both she and Ishaan Khatter were seen expressing their gratitude with folded hands during the ovation.
Following the screening, Dharma Productions shared a video on social media capturing the audience's enthusiastic response. Karan Johar was seen sharing a heartfelt hug with an emotional Neeraj Ghaywan, who was visibly moved by the overwhelming appreciation. The actors, along with other crew members, smiled and accepted the applause, their eyes reflecting the emotional impact of the moment.
Karan Johar, known for his high-profile Bollywood productions, was visibly emotional, subtly wiping away tears, a testament to his pride in the film and its team. Janhvi Kapoor's father, Boney Kapoor, along with her sister Khushi Kapoor and rumored boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya, were also present and seen shedding tears of joy.
Neeraj Ghaywan's return to Cannes, ten years after his critically acclaimed debut film "Masaan" also premiered in the Un Certain Regard section and won two awards, adds another layer of significance to "Homebound"'s reception. "Masaan" explored similar themes of caste and social injustice, and "Homebound" expands on these issues, touching on gender and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese has also lent his support to the film as an executive producer, further highlighting its potential to resonate with a global audience.
Ishaan Khatter expressed his pleasure in working with Neeraj Ghaywan, stating that it was an honest and sincere effort to create a film with a human heart. Vishal Jethwa added that "Homebound" feels like a step forward for all of them, expressing his pride in representing India with the film.
"Homebound"'s journey to Cannes and its warm reception there underscore the increasing recognition of Indian stories on the international stage. The film's exploration of social issues, combined with its strong performances and Ghaywan's sensitive direction, has struck a chord with audiences, promising a successful run on the festival circuit and beyond.
