Janhvi Kapoor's 'Homebound' Earns 9-Minute Standing Ovation at Cannes 2025:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Homebound made its debut at Cannes Film Festival 2025 in the Un Certain Regard section, starring Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter alongside Vishal Jethwa. The reception was fantastic, as the cast and crew received a 9-minute ovation.

Neeraj Ghaywan, the director, was emotional after the screening and Karan Johar, the producer, hugged him, signaling that the film affected them on a personal level.

Neeraj Ghaywan on Janhvi Kapoor's Casting

Ghaywan spoke to Variety and explained his reasoning for casting Kapoor in the leading role. He addressed the trolling the actress has received and reaffirmed Homebound highlighting her capabilities.

“She’s been maligned publicly and heavily trolled, but this film will change that. She’s made of something else,” Ghaywan stated. He also mentioned that she was provided the script with Ambedkar’s Annihilation of Caste which helped inform her in regard to the social aspects of the film.

Janhvi Kapoor and the Role’s Backstory

Karan Johar, the producer, mentioned that Kapor undertook a 10-day workshop and described the experience as therapeutic.

“She said it was akin to 10 days of therapy. She was not just acting; it was a personal catharsis,” Johar said. According to Janhvi, “the days spent filming Homebound were the best days spent on a film set.”

Plot and Cast of Homebound

Homebound revolves around two friends from a North Indian village who, from a tender age, fantasize about becoming police officers as that would symbolize the long-awaited respect. But as they get closer to achieving the goal, desperation begins to wear on their relationship.

The film is headlined by Vishal Jethwa, Ishaan Khatter, and Janhvi Kapoor.

Behind the Scenes and Production Team

The film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra, with Marijke de Souza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier as the co-producers. This joint production showcases a unique blend of socially relevant narratives with strong performances.