Mumbai: After earning plaudits at several international film festivals, Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, is set for a global theatrical release on 26 September 2025.
Featuring a compelling cast including Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, the film is backed by producers Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, under the banner of Dharma Productions.
Inspired by a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer, Homebound follows two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who aspire to join the police force — a career they believe will finally win them respect and dignity. But as they prepare for the national police exam, pressures of society, family expectations, and personal conflict begin to strain their friendship.
The film made its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in May, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. It also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, further building its reputation as one of the most anticipated films from India this year.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s vision appears to lean heavily into deep emotional storytelling, delicate character arcs, and social realism — moving away from melodrama toward quieter, human moments. With its strong script, international endorsements, and a strong ensemble cast, Homebound is shaping up as both a festival favorite and a commercial prospect in the theatrical circuit.
