In a landmark moment for Indian cinema on the global stage, Neeraj Ghaywan’s latest directorial venture, Homebound, brought the house down at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Premiering in the prestigious “Un Certain Regard” category, the emotionally charged film received a resounding 9-minute standing ovation — a gesture that moved not only the audience but also the entire team to tears.
Starring the dynamic trio of Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, Homebound explores the lives of two close friends from a North Indian village whose pursuit of police jobs becomes a test of character, ambition, and friendship. With its layered narrative and social realism, the film resonates deeply with both Indian and international audiences.
The emotional high point came when director Neeraj Ghaywan and producer Karan Johar embraced, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. Dharma Productions, which shared the moment with fans through a video clip on social media, captioned it, “9 minutes of pure love & applause! Team Homebound receiving all the appreciation at @festivaldecannes!”
The film is backed by a powerhouse production team including Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with co-producers Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier. In a historic collaboration, legendary Hollywood filmmaker Martin Scorsese has also joined the project as Executive Producer, lending global gravitas to the film.
Homebound is not just a story — it’s an experience that marks a new chapter in Indian cinema’s evolving narrative on the world stage.
