'Homebound' is a heartfelt drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan that follows two childhood friends chasing their dream of becoming police officers in modern India. Starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, the film explores quiet pressures faced by young people today.
In his note, the director explained that the amount of ₹10,000 was never meant as full payment. It was, in fact, a small personal gesture years ago, during his research for the film.
The film is India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, announced by Karan Johar, whose Dharma Productions backed the project.
The film has already made buzz and waves on the international festival circuit. It premiered on 21 May 2025 at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in the 'Un Certain Regard' section.
The film, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, recently received huge appreciation at the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan asked Ishaan Khatter to lose all his muscle for 'Homebound' after coming off fresh from 'The Royals.'
Anurag Kashyap couldn’t resist dropping a fun comment—“Do chamakte huye sitaare”—while Huma Qureshi and Zoya Akhtar showered love with heart emojis.
A nine-minute standing ovation greeted the film’s team at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. And it wasn’t just polite applause; this was raw, emotional admiration.
In a statement shared by Johar, the Oscar-winning director revealed that he was a fan of Neeraj Ghaywan’s work ever since he watched 'Masaan' back in 2015.
For India, Cannes 2025 marks not just a presence, but a pivot. Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, selected for Un Certain Regard, is the single Indian film representing the country in Cannes’ official feature film selection this year. But
