Homebound: Dhruv Vikram on Ishaan Khatter’s performance, ‘he makes you feel emotions of shame and humiliation’

Homebound, the Neeraj Ghaywan directorial, is one among the 15 international films, to be shortlisted for 98th Academy Awards. It also stars Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor

Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter in a still from Homebound

The 2025 Hindi film Homebound from filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan is one among the 15 shortlisted films in the Best International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards. The film, which had already won critical acclaim, talks about the painful story of two young men who come from the marginalised sections of society and their fates after being caught stuck in the lockdown imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. It starred Ishaan Khatter, along with Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. The latest to praise Homebound is Tamil actor Dhruv Vikram, who starred in this year's Bison Kaalamaadan, a yet another powerful tale against oppression.

Dhruv Vikram praises Ishaan Khatter for Homebound performance:

In the latest The Hollywood Reporter actors’ roundtable, Dhruv Vikram was one among the panelists, which also included actor Ishaan Khatter. The latter's film Homebound which hit theatres this year, has been announced as one among the 15 films shortlisted for 98th Academy Awards. Dhruv was in all praise of Ishaan who played a young Muslim man who faces discrimination based on his religion and how he along with his lowered caste friend attempts to navigate their dreams.

Also read: Homebound Review: Through Ishaan, Janhvi and Vishal, Ghaywan finds melancholy in the margins we ignore

Speaking about Ishaan's performance, Dhruv said, "Ishaan in homebound, I thought there was so much depth and nuance in which he played that role. I can tell you scenes because I can tell if he was really feeling that way. He makes you feel those emotions of shame and humiliation… of wanting to say something but cannot and then bursts... It is really inspiring.”

Where to watch Homebound on OTT?

As we wait to know if Homebound will make it to the top 5 nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, you can stream the Neeraj Ghaywan directorial right now on Netflix. The film is a hard-hitting yet empathetic portrayal of what it is to be discriminated based on caste and religion. Homebound had received 9-minute-long standing ovation at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival

Homebound FAQs

Q. Is Homebound 2025 on Netflix?

A. Yes, Homebound movie is streaming on Netflix.

Q. Is Homebound based on a true story?

A. Yes, Homebound is based on a true story that appeared on New York Times in 2020, about two migrant workers caught during the Covid lockdown.

Q. Is Homebound a good movie?

A. Yes, Homebound opened to positive reviews and is shortlisted for 98th Academy Awards.

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