Ishaan Khatter-starrer ‘Homebound' selected for TIFF 2025

The Dharma film also features stellar performances by Mohammed Shoaib and Janhvi Kapoor in key roles.

Poster of Homebound/ Instagram / @Dharma Productions

Neeraj Ghaywan’s 'Homebound' has been officially selected for the Toronto International Film Festival 2025 in the Gala Presentations category.

The film had premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section, earning a nine-minute standing ovation.

Inspired by Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times essay, the film follows two childhood friends, Mohammed Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan Kumar (Vishal Jethwa), a Muslim and a Dalit, striving to become police officers to escape systemic marginalization in rural North India. Their journey, set against the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, exposes the harsh realities of caste and religious discrimination, culminating in a heart-wrenching narrative of friendship and sacrifice.

ALSO READ: Tanvi the Great to feature in New York Indian Film Festival

Backed by Martin Scorsese as executive producer and produced by Dharma Productions, ‘Homebound’ blends raw authenticity with powerful performances.

The cast of ‘Homebound’ delivers stellar performances, led by Ishaan Khatter as Mohammed Shoaib, whose nuanced portrayal captures the emotional weight of a Muslim youth navigating systemic barriers. Vishal Jethwa matches in craft as Chandan Kumar, a Dalit aspiring for a better future, bringing raw intensity to their friendship. Janhvi Kapoor, as Sudha, adds depth despite limited screen time.

Ghaywan’s direction, informed by his own experiences, highlights the humanity of marginalized communities, challenging Bollywood’s typical narratives.

Produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, Homebound is co-produced by Marijke de Souza and Melita Toscan du Plantier. The film's script is penned by Neeraj Ghaywan and Sumit Roy.

Comments

This is a Premium Article, available exclusively to our subscribers.

Read 500+ such News or articles every month by subscribing today!
Monthly

Free

Limited Access

Limited View

Free weekly E-Paper

Subscribe Now
Monthly

$10

Full Access

Unlimited View

Free weekly E-Paper

Free daily newsletter

Subscribe Now
Annual

$50

Full Access

Unlimited View

Free weekly E-Paper

Free daily newsletter

Subscribe Now
Start the conversation

Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.

Sign Up Now

Already have an account? Login