Homebound: Neeraj Ghaywan on Martin Scorsese coming on board as executive producer; 'It was highly flattering'
Homebound is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and American filmmaker Martin Scorsese is the executive producer. The film will hit cinemas on September 26.
Last Updated: 05.22 PM, Sep 22, 2025
Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, received a standing ovation at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. Produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, and directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film has now been chosen as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards. In a new interview, director Neeraj opened up about the film's Oscars entry and also onboarding American filmmaker Martin Scorsese as the executive producer.
Neeraj Ghaywan on Homebound
Expressing his excitement and happiness for Homebound getting selected as India's official entry for the Oscars 2026. He said, "I am, of course, pleased for myself and for our producer Karan Johar. If, as you say, Homebound has a good chance of bringing home the Oscar, then I am most happy.”
Homebound has been going from strength to strength in recent months. When the great American filmmaker Martin Scorsese saw it, he immediately joined as the executive producer.
“That was most unexpected and highly flattering. I am hoping the film’s incredible journey takes it all the way to the shortlist of Oscar nominations,” said Ghaywan.
About Homebound
Homebound is a 2025 Indian film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa as two childhood friends in rural North India who aspire to become police officers but are hindered by their religious and caste identities.
The film, inspired by a real New York Times essay about migrant workers, also features Janhvi Kapoor as a fellow student named Sudha Bharti. It explores themes of ambition, friendship, and discrimination and is set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Homebound's OTTplay review says the film is not a call to war or a call for rebellion. It is more subtle but just as powerful: a call for compassion, a call to treat people with dignity, regardless of race, class, or religion. The film is a reminder of the privileges we often overlook and a plea to make the world better for those who’ve never had the luxury of choice.
Where to watch Homebound on OTT?
As per the official posters of the film, Homebound will land on Netflix after its theatrical run. Typically, movies are released on OTT platforms eight weeks after their theatrical premiere. Therefore, Homebound could be available digitally in November 2025.
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.