Homebound starring Janhvi and Ishaan receives 9-minute standing ovation at Cannes

Neeraj Ghaywan's much-anticipated second feature film Homebound had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section and made an immediate impact. Following the screening, the film received a thunderous 9-minute standing ovation from a packed audience, a moment that left the director visibly overwhelmed.

An emotional Neeraj Ghaywan was seen hugging producer Karan Johar, who accompanied the cast and crew at the premiere. The video capturing the post-screening response showed lead actors Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa visibly moved by the reception, with audience members applauding and cheering for the powerful narrative.

Homebound tells the story of two childhood friends from a small village in North India, chasing the dream of becoming police officers in search of dignity and purpose. As their ambition grows, so does the pressure, leading to a confrontation between dreams, desperation, and loyalty. The screenplay has been penned by Neeraj Ghaywan and Sumit Roy.

The film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with international backing from co-producers Marijke de Souza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier. Notably, the project also boasts legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese as executive producer, who has described the film as a "significant contribution to cinema."

Ghaywan had previously left an indelible mark at Cannes with his debut Masaan, which won the Un Certain Regard Special Prize and the FIPRESCI Prize. Homebound builds on that legacy, marking yet another proud moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.