Homebound: Neeraj Ghaywan reveals reason behind casting Janhvi Kapoor as a Dalit girl; 'Wanted inner hunger to portray a character'

In Homebound, Janhvi Kapoor will play the role of a Dalit girl. The film, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, will hit cinemas on September 26.

Janhvi Kapoor in Homebound

Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, has now been chosen as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards after it received a standing ovation at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. Ishaan, Janhvi, and Vishal's performances were individually praised. The film marks Neeraj Ghaywan’s return to direction after nearly a decade, and it features Janhvi Kapoor in a transformative role as Sudha Bharti, a Dalit girl whose story reflects the stratified reality of caste and identity in India. In a new interview, Neeraj discussed why he cast Janhvi as a Dalit girl.

Neeraj Ghaywan on casting Janhvi Kapoor as Dalit girl in Homebound

During a recent event for Homebound, filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan addressed the discussions about Janhvi playing a Dalit character, a choice that has sparked questions and controversy. The filmmaker said, "In India, we have people from all walks of life. What I was searching for wasn't just acting skill, but also the inner hunger to portray a character with intensity and truth."

He also said that choosing the right actor wasn't just a matter of screen presence or line delivery, it was a matter of emotional depth and living sincerity, especially when telling the stories of historically marginalized communities.

Also Read: Homebound OTT partner revealed: Where to watch Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa's film selected as India's official entry for the 2026 Oscars

Homebound cast was given Dr BR Ambedkar’s seminal text

Additionally, to help the actors step into their roles with integrity, Neeraj gave them Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's seminal text, Annihilation of Caste, to read. He explained that this was the first step in their preparation. He took the actors to the countryside so that they could experience the socio-cultural context of their characters as closely as possible.

Neeraj emphasized that actors need to leave their own comfort zones and actively venture into unfamiliar worlds to truly embrace their roles.

"This character isn’t going to come to you. You have to go to it. You have to step out of your privileged life, confront that reality, and let it settle within you," Neeraj said.

Homebound plot

Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter as Shoaib and Vishal Jethwa as Chandan, two childhood friends from rural North India who dream of becoming police officers, a path blocked by societal barriers of caste and religion. Inspired by a New York Times article about real-life migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, this story explores their friendships, struggles for dignity, and journeys against the backdrop of socio-economic hardship and the impact of the pandemic. Janhvi Kapoor plays Sudha, a character who becomes involved in Chandan's life.

Homebound will hit theaters on September 26. After its theatrical run, the film will land on Netflix.

FAQs

Q: What is Homebound at Cannes?

A: Neeraj Ghaywan's new film Homebound, which premiered in the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, finds its roots in a poignant real-life story first told in a New York Times op-ed during India's COVID-19 lockdown.

Q: Who stars in Homebound?

A: Produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, and directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa.

Q: Is Homebound releasing in theaters?

A: Yes. Homebound will hit theaters on September 26, 2025, worldwide.

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