Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound has made a significant impact at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, earning a nine-minute standing ovation following its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section. This heartfelt drama, produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with co-producers Marijke de Souza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier, marks Ghaywan's return to Cannes a decade after his acclaimed debut, Masaan, which also premiered in the same section and won the FIPRESCI award.
Homebound tells the story of two childhood friends from a small North Indian village, Mohammed Shoaib Ali (played by Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan Kumar (played by Vishal Jethwa), who dream of becoming police officers. They believe that securing this job will bring them the dignity that has long been denied to them due to their marginalized backgrounds. However, as they get closer to their goal, mounting desperation threatens to unravel their bond. The film explores themes of ambition, inequality, friendship, and survival against the backdrop of caste and religious divides in India. Janhvi Kapoor plays Sudha Bharti, a character who encourages Chandan to pursue his studies.
Ghaywan describes Homebound as "a deeply personal story about friendship, dignity, and survival," highlighting the lives of those who are often unseen and the quiet strength they possess in a world that rarely acknowledges them. The film's universal message and grounded storytelling have resonated deeply with audiences, earning it global attention and acclaim at Cannes. Karan Johar noted that there are no clear villains, and the characters operate in the grey, making the film more relatable and impactful.
The premiere was an emotional affair, with the film's cast and crew visibly moved by the audience's response. Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa shared a warm group hug with director Neeraj Ghaywan, while producer Karan Johar was seen wiping away tears. Janhvi's sister, Khushi Kapoor, and her boyfriend, Shikhar Pahariya, were also present, enthusiastically applauding the film.
Critics have praised Homebound for its empathetic portrayal of characters and its exploration of systemic failings. Matt Neglia, Editor-In-Chief of Next Best Picture, lauded the performances of Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter, noting the film's emotional impact. Elizabeth Kerr of Screen International highlighted the film's vivid depiction of the struggles faced by India's marginalized population.
Adding to the film's prestige, Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese has joined as an executive producer. Karan Johar credits a close friend for making Scorsese's involvement possible. Ghaywan has also shared his admiration for Spike Lee, with both directors having films premiering at the festival.
Homebound not only marks Neeraj Ghaywan's return to feature filmmaking after a decade but also represents a significant moment for Indian cinema on the global stage. Ghaywan has also mentioned that he focuses on creating a family-like atmosphere on set. By promoting inclusivity and ensuring a safe and respectful working environment. With its powerful narrative, stellar performances, and the recognition it has garnered at Cannes, Homebound is poised to make a lasting impact.
