How was ‘Homebound’ received at Cannes 2025?

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound (2025) was a key highlight of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

The film starred Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa.

It also marked Neeraj’s comeback to feature film direction after Masaan (2015).

The filmmaker recently revealed the reaction that Homebound received at Cannes.

He said: “I don’t quite know how to describe the experience.

“The premiere was overwhelming. In fact, even ‘overwhelming’ feels like an understatement.

‘The audience responded with gasps, sighs, and tears.

“Some people came up to me, hugged me, and broke down.

“What moved me most was how the film stopped being just a film. It became personal for so many.

“That feeling is hard to shake. It was a new experience for me.

“I broke down myself, which felt strange, even a little vain at first.

“Who cries during their own film?

“I think it was a moment of catharsis after four exhausting years of work and carrying the weight of a decade-long wait.

“Watching Homebound at Cannes with my entire crew and a public audience for the first time was incredibly emotional.

“As I watched, memories from my childhood surfaced, like seeing my father pouring water on the cement of the first house we built.”

In Homebound, Jahnvi plays an idealist named Sudha Bharti. She is the love interest of Chandan Kumar (Vishal Jethwa).

To prepare for her role, Janhvi read extensively and undertook significant research.

While at Cannes, the actress delved into her character. She explained:

“It was very important for both the director and myself to be as aware and informed as possible about the politics of my character and her belief system.

“That meant a great deal to me, because in many ways, Sudha is the moral soul of the film; she’s a catalyst.

“So, understanding where her political ideology came from was essential.

“It involved reading a lot of literature and really trying to empathise with her perspective.

“That process made me a more empathetic person, someone that’s more sincere, diligent, curious, and socially responsible.

“I’m extremely grateful for the journey this role took me on.”

Talking about working with Neeraj, Janhvi continued: “Working with Neeraj sir has been one of the highlights of my career.

“It’s truly one of the most cherished relationships I’ve built as an actor.

“He’s such a special human being, the most sensitive, considerate, and wise presence, both on- and off-set.

“It’s been a real privilege to spend time with him and learn under his guidance.

“He’s taught me so much about myself and about the kind of person I want to be.

“His direction not only shaped my performance but also helped me become a more responsible citizen.

“Through his exercises in empathy, I’ve grown into a more open and self-aware artist.”

Homebound is a tale set in rural North India and tells the story of two aspiring police officers in search of a better life.

It was produced by the veteran Hollywood filmmaker Martin Scorsese.

He has helmed classics such as Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980), and The Departed (2006). 

Speaking about backing the project, Scorsese said: “I had seen Neeraj’s first film Masaan in 2015 and I loved it.

“So, when Mélita Toscan du Plantier sent me the project of his second film, I was curious.

“I loved the story, the culture and was willing to help.

“Neeraj has made a beautifully crafted film that’s a significant contribution to Indian cinema.

“I am glad the movie is an official selection at Un Certain Regard in Cannes this year.”