Indian Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ Receives 9-minute Standing Ovation at Cannes 2025
Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s latest feature, ‘Homebound,’ received a remarkable nine-minute standing ovation at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. The film was screened as part of the prestigious Un Certain Regard segment, the same category where Ghaywan’s critically acclaimed debut, ‘Masaan,’ premiered in 2015.
The ‘Homebound’ premiere at the Debussy Theatre saw Ghaywan joined by the film’s lead actors, Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. Also present were producer Karan Johar and his Dharma Productions colleagues, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra.
Khatter expressed his pleasure working with Ghaywan, stating, “He is somebody I have loved and admired for many years… It’s an honest and sincere effort of making a film with a human beating heart. I hope all of you enjoy it. I hope the film speaks for itself.”
Jethwa remarked that ‘Homebound’ represents a significant step forward for the team. “I’m incredibly happy that we’re representing India with our film ‘Homebound.’ None of this would’ve been possible without your support, so thank you so much. I’m proud to be standing here and share the stage alongside these amazing actors and our director,” he added.
Following the screening, Dharma Productions shared a video on social media showcasing the ‘Homebound’ team receiving prolonged applause from the audience. “9 minutes of pure love & applause! Team ‘Homebound’ receiving all the appreciation at @Festival_Cannes,” the studio posted. The clip also captured a warm embrace between Johar and Ghaywan.
Red Carpet Style and Film Synopsis
Prior to the screening, the ‘Homebound’ team participated in a photocall. Ishaan Khatter opted for a brown two-piece suit with a white shirt, while Janhvi Kapoor wore an ensemble by designer Anamika Khanna. Karan Johar sported an all-black suit from the late couturier Rohit Bal’s label, and Vishal Jethwa chose a checkered grey-black suit.
‘Homebound,’ which is executive-produced by Hollywood icon Martin Scorsese, centers on two childhood friends played by Khatter and Jethwa. The official synopsis reveals: “Two childhood friends from a small North Indian village chase a police job that promises them the dignity they’ve long been denied. But as they inch closer to their dream, mounting desperation threatens the bond that holds them together.”
On Tuesday evening, the director, cast, and Karan Johar graced the Cannes red carpet. Khatter was seen in a deep Bordeaux velvet bandhgala by Gaurav Gupta. Jethwa, known for films like ‘Mardaani 2’ and ‘Salaam Venky,’ opted for a black power suit with jeweled shoulder pads by London-based menswear designer Kaushik Velendra, accessorizing with a golden dragon necklace.
Janhvi Kapoor, playing a pivotal role in ‘Homebound,’ chose a rose-colored custom-made Tarun Tahilianiensemble featuring a handwoven real tissue skirt and corset, specially crafted in Banares. Karan Johar was dressed in a custom design by his friend and celebrity favorite Manish Malhotra. Socialite Natasha Poonawalla, co-producer Adar Poonawalla’s wife, also walked the red carpet hand-in-hand with Johar, wearing a Dior ensemble. The Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to conclude on Saturday.