The first poster for "Homebound," starring Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, has been released, announcing its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2025. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film will be showcased at the prestigious festival, marking a significant moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.
"Homebound" has been selected to compete in the "Un Certain Regard" section at Cannes. This section, established in 1978, is known for highlighting emerging talent and bold storytelling, running parallel to the main competition. The film will be competing against works by acclaimed filmmakers and directorial debuts from actors like Kristen Stewart, Scarlett Johansson, and Harris Dickinson.
The film follows the journey of two friends from a North Indian village who aspire to become police officers. Their bond begins to fracture as they navigate the challenges and desperation of their chosen path. Alongside Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, the film stars Shalini Vatsa, Vishal Jethwa, and Tushar Phulke.
Neeraj Ghaywan's return to Cannes is particularly noteworthy, as his directorial debut, "Masaan" (2015), also premiered in the "Un Certain Regard" section and won the Avenir Prize. Ghaywan, a former engineer and film critic, transitioned into cinema under the mentorship of director Anurag Kashyap, and his work often addresses deep-rooted social issues. This film marks Ghaywan's comeback to the big screen after a decade since Masaan.
Adding to the film's prestige, Martin Scorsese has joined "Homebound" as an executive producer. Karan Johar, the producer of "Homebound," announced Scorsese's involvement, with both Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter expressing their excitement and gratitude. Kapoor called it "an honor beyond words," while Khatter described Scorsese as "the North Star in the world of cinema".
The selection of "Homebound" at Cannes 2025 has generated considerable buzz, although some online discussion has focused on the promotional emphasis on Janhvi Kapoor, with concerns raised about overshadowing the contributions of co-stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa. Despite this, there is excitement surrounding Vishal Jethwa's Cannes debut.
The 78th annual Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to take place from May 13 to May 24, 2025. The festival will showcase a diverse range of films and documentaries from around the world. Juliette Binoche will serve as the jury president for the main competition. The festival is also committed to sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact.
