Cannes 2025: Neeraj Ghaywan embraces Karan Johar as ‘Homebound’ receives 9-minute standing ovation-OxBig News Network

The forged and crew of ‘Homebound’ pose at Cannes Film Festival forward of the premiere
| Photo Credit: X/ @DharmaFilms

Neeraj Ghaywan’s newest movie Homebound premiered on the 2025 Cannes Film Festival underneath the Un Certain Regard part, drawing a nine-minute standing ovation from the viewers. The screening marked an emotional second for the director, who embraced producer Karan Johar in a protracted hug as the gang responded with sustained applause.

The movie is the one Indian characteristic chosen at Cannes this yr. The forged, together with Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, have been current on the premiere alongside the crew. They have been seen acknowledging the viewers’s appreciation following the screening.

Set in a small village in North India, Homebound follows the story of two childhood mates getting ready for police recruitment as a technique to escape their circumstances. As their dream begins to materialise, tensions floor, threatening their relationship. Ghaywan co-wrote the script with Sumit Roy.

In a press release shared earlier than the premiere, Ghaywan stated, “This film taught me humility, empathy, and patience. Casting showed me that actors need to be more than just talented, they also need to be morally connected to their character.”

Ten years after his debut characteristic Masaan premiered at Cannes, Ghaywan returns to the competition with a movie that equally explores social constructions and private aspirations. On his working course of, he stated, “I believe in collaboration and having a democratic crew. Inclusivity is fundamental: I aim for every department to comprise at least 50% women and I hire people from marginalised communities.”

The movie is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Marijke de Souza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier serving as co-producers. Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese is credited as govt producer.

Ghaywan spoke about his strategy to emotionally intense scenes, saying he makes use of a system referred to as “Code 360” to create a targeted and respectful atmosphere on set. “It’s complete silence, appropriate ambient music, and minimal people on set,” he stated.

On working along with his forged, Ghaywan added, “If I were to make the film again, I’d choose the same cast, no question. They brought deep empathy and critical thinking to their roles.”

Janhvi Kapoor ready for her function by studying Annihilation of Caste and watching movies like Rosetta and Three Colours: Blue. Ghaywan described her portrayal as carrying “a genuine tenderness and moral clarity.”

Reflecting on what he hopes audiences take from the movie, Ghaywan stated, “The importance of kindness and empathy, especially toward those who are different from us. Seeing others as equals.”