Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, received a ten-minute standing ovation at the prestigious Debussy Theatre during the 78th Cannes Film Festival.
The film premiered in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ section on Wednesday, 21 May, and was warmly received by both the audience and international critics.
The screening was attended by the film’s cast, including Ishaan Khattar, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa. Neeraj Ghaywan, Karan Johar, and executive producer Martin Scorsese were also present.
Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese, who served as executive producer, lavished praise on Ghaywan.
He recalled being impressed by Ghaywan’s earlier film Masaan, which also premiered in the same section at Cannes exactly ten years ago and won two awards.
Scorsese said Homebound affirms Ghaywan’s deep storytelling ability and social insight.
Cannes Festival director Thierry Fremaux and programming head Christian Jeune personally congratulated the Indian team.
The film’s strong reception has sparked discussions about its potential for awards and international release.
Homebound portrays the bond between two young friends — Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), a Dalit, and Shoaib (Ishaan Khattar), a Muslim — in a backward village in North India.
Both face systemic discrimination and economic hardship. Their only hope lies in passing a police constable exam, which they believe will change their future.
Chandan passes the exam but hides his caste by applying in the general category. He fears being labelled a ‘quota candidate’.
Meanwhile, Shoaib fails the exam and finds a menial job in a water purifier company. However, discrimination follows him there too.
When Chandan starts working at a textile mill in Surat to support his family, his dreams of a better life fade. His mother loses her school job because of caste bias.
Shoaib, humiliated at work due to his religion, joins Chandan in Surat.
The outbreak of COVID-19 lockdown traps them in the city. During their desperate journey home, Chandan falls ill.
Fellow travellers abandon them out of fear. Chandan dies on the road, and his body, wrapped in plastic, is returned home.
In a heart-wrenching final scene, Shoaib receives Chandan’s posthumous appointment letter as a police constable. Chandan’s dream has been realised — too late.
Homebound avoids melodrama. Instead, it relies on powerful visuals and nuanced writing.
The caste and religious tensions are shown through realistic scenes — a police beating, job rejections, and mocking comments from authorities.
Janhvi Kapoor plays Sudha Bharti, a young woman who encourages Chandan to study. Her role, though brief, adds emotional weight.
The film’s last image — Shoaib sitting alone under a culvert, remembering his friend — stays with the viewer.
With its world premiere at Cannes, Homebound joins a select league of Indian films that confront caste and communal issues without compromise.
Ghaywan’s direction, the performances, and Scorsese’s global backing make it a standout.
As the world grapples with rising intolerance, Homebound delivers a timely message: friendship, dignity, and justice transcend barriers.
Its success at Cannes signals a growing global interest in Indian stories rooted in truth and humanity.
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