The Cannes Film Festival 2025 served as the backdrop for both celebration and controversy for the cast of the upcoming film "Homebound," starring Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa. While the film itself garnered a remarkable nine-minute standing ovation at its premiere, a particular video clip featuring the three actors sparked online debate, with some accusing Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa of being disrespectful towards Ishaan Khatter.

The video in question showed Janhvi and Vishal seemingly engaged in a private conversation while Ishaan was answering a journalist's question during an interview. This led to a wave of negative comments on social media, with users expressing their disappointment and criticizing the pair for their perceived lack of manners. Some comments included remarks like "Manners are missing," and "This is so rude of them."

Amidst the online storm, Vishal Jethwa stepped forward to clarify the situation and defend Janhvi Kapoor. In an interview with Zoom, Vishal explained that there was no awkwardness or cold war between Janhvi and Ishaan, as some had assumed. He recounted the specific moment captured in the viral video, stating that Ishaan was actually helping him understand a question from a journalist who was speaking in French. Vishal, who was struggling to comprehend the question, intended to ask Janhvi for clarification, and they were simply discussing the matter. He emphasized his respect for Ishaan and expressed gratitude for the support he receives from both Janhvi and Ishaan.

Furthermore, Vishal addressed a separate incident where Janhvi appeared to ignore Ishaan's gesture to help her on stage at Cannes. He explained that he was holding the trail of Janhvi's outfit at that moment and was focused on managing it properly. Janhvi was also holding her clothes, which is why she didn't take Ishaan's hand. Vishal emphasized that Janhvi is very respectful and that the team is unbothered by the online speculations. He also shared that he has seen Ishaan and Janhvi work together and they are very comfortable with each other and are well-wishers and talk very nicely to one another.

Vishal Jethwa also discussed his bond with Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. He expressed his appreciation for gaining them as friends through the film. He described how they have become very protective of each other, understand each other's perspectives, and support one another. He also shared that before going to Cannes, he was nervous about how he would present himself, and he talked to Ishaan about it. He highlighted Janhvi's helpful nature, recalling instances where she would explain things to him during interviews when he didn't understand something.