The 78th Cannes Film Festival has been buzzing with Indian talent, particularly surrounding the premiere of Neeraj Ghaywan's "Homebound," a film co-produced by Karan Johar and executive produced by Martin Scorsese. The movie, part of the Un Certain Regard lineup, has garnered significant attention, not only for its compelling narrative but also for the stylish appearances of its cast and crew. Among them, Ishaan Khatter has particularly caught the eye, with some playfully dubbing him the "National Crush" after his royal-inspired look.

Karan Johar, known for his flamboyant fashion sense, made a grand return to the Cannes red carpet after 12 years, pulling out all the stops. For the premiere of "Homebound", he sported a custom Manish Malhotra creation: an ivory floor-length bundgala with a woven jacquard collar and exaggerated ruffle detail. His look gave off a "Bridgerton-meets-Bollywood" vibe.

However, Ishaan Khatter also brought his A-game, exuding royal vibes in a custom Gaurav Gupta ensemble. His outfit featured a richly textured wine-colored velvet bandhgala jacket, matching trousers, and sleek sunglasses. His fashion choice, blending traditional Indian aesthetics with modern flair, resonated well with audiences and fashion critics alike.

Adding to the excitement, Janhvi Kapoor made her Cannes debut alongside Ishaan, Vishal Jethwa, Neeraj Ghaywan, and Karan Johar. Janhvi stunned in a Tarun Tahiliani gown, sparking social media buzz. Some fans even campaigned for the pair to reunite on screen in "The Royals."

"Homebound" itself has been lauded for its powerful story and performances. The film received a nine-minute standing ovation at its premiere in the Debussy Theatre. The movie revolves around two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who chase a police job, promising them the dignity they've long been denied. As they get closer to their dream, mounting desperation threatens their bond.

The premiere was attended by the film's cast, including Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, along with director Neeraj Ghaywan and producers Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra. Following the screening, Dharma Productions shared a video of the "Homebound" team receiving applause from the audience.

Ishaan expressed his pleasure in working with Neeraj Ghaywan. Prior to the screening, the team appeared for a photocall, with Ishaan opting for a brown two-piece suit and Janhvi wearing an Anamika Khanna ensemble.

The Cannes Film Festival 2025 has been a platform for celebrating Indian cinema and fashion. The "Homebound" team's presence has undoubtedly added to the festival's vibrant atmosphere, with Ishaan Khatter's "National Crush" status adding a touch of Bollywood charm to the prestigious event.