Homebound: Vicky Kaushal, Arjun Kapoor review Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, Vishal Jethwa's film; 'Makes you speechless'

On September 22, a special screening for Homebound was held in Mumbai. It was graced by who's who of Bollywood. From Vicky Kaushal to Arjun Kapoor, everyone has been sharing their reviews for Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa's film, which has been chosen as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards. Homebound will hit theaters on September 26, 2025.

Celebs review Homebound

Arjun Kapoor, who attended the screening of Homebound, shared a review on his Instagram Story. The actor is impressed with the film and called it a raw, visceral, beautiful yet heartbreaking tale of friendship. He also said that the film makes you feel so much and leaves you numb at the same time. "@Neeraj.Ghaywan thank u for making me feel grateful for having what I do...such purity is rarely witnessed anymore... @KaranJohar @Apoorva1972 u guys deserve so much credit for making sure this story is told the right way," he said. 

He tagged the cast of the film and added, "@IshaanKhatter amazing work man u continue to grow into such a mature performer... @Vishal Jethwa06 kamaal ho aap babu kya kaam kiye ho... rula diye aap toh humko... & @JanhviKapoor I am so proud of u for being part of this...ur choice to do this & ur performance in it reminds me again of how much u love cinema and u aren't here just to play to the gallery... beautiful poignant and a film that deserves all the love it's getting and going to get."

Vicky Kaushal, who is all set to embrace parenthood for the first time with his wife Katrina Kaif, also attended the Homebound screening. He wrote on Instagram Story, "Homebound Calms you, breaks you.. makes you go absolutely speechless! Kudos Team #Homebound! @neeraj.ghaywan @karanjohar @melitatoscan @ishaankhatter @vishaljethwa06 @janhvikapoor. You guys were absolutely top notch! DON'T MISS!!!"

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

On the other hand, Bhavana Pandey wrote, "Homebound!!! Deeply Moving, So Raw So Honest, it's not just a film it's a reminder to so many things!!! Outstanding performances !!! Must watch!!!! Congratulations on making such a beautiful film!" 

Maheep Kapoor also praised the film and called it 'brilliant.' She added, "I am blown away by this gem. In my head, I've already given this film the Oscar." 

More about Homebound

Homebound is based on a New York Times article about two childhood friends from a North Indian village, Muslim youth Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Dalit youth Chandan (Vishal Jethwa). They face social barriers of race and religion as they pursue their dream of becoming police officers to find dignity and respect. The film also features Janhvi Kapoor as Sudha Bharti and is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. 

The film explores themes of ambition, friendship, and social inequality, particularly against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting migrant worker crisis.

Homebound on OTT

Homebound will hit cinemas on September 26. As per the official posters of the film, the film 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.