In a proud moment for Indian cinema, the film Homebound made waves at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, receiving a rare and emotional nine-minute standing ovation from the international audience. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa, Homebound was the only Indian feature film selected for the prestigious Un Certain Regard section this year. This achievement highlights not just the film’s quality, but also the growing global recognition of Indian storytelling.
The Moment of Triumph
The world premiere of Homebound at Cannes was met with overwhelming applause. As the credits rolled, the audience rose to their feet and clapped for a full nine minutes—an honor that is rarely given and speaks volumes about the film’s impact. The cast and crew, including director Neeraj Ghaywan and producer Karan Johar, were visibly moved. Emotional hugs, smiles, and even tears were shared among the team, with videos capturing the heartfelt reactions of everyone involved.
Family members of the cast, including Janhvi Kapoor’s father Boney Kapoor and sister Khushi Kapoor, were present in the audience, cheering and showing their support. Boney Kapoor was seen wiping away tears, while Khushi beamed with pride for her sister’s achievement. The atmosphere was electric, with voices of “Bravo!” echoing through the auditorium.
What is ‘Homebound’ About?
Homebound is a poignant drama set in a small village in North India. The story follows two childhood friends who dream of joining the police force—a job they believe will finally give them the dignity and respect they have always wanted. As they get closer to their goal, the pressures of ambition and desperation begin to test their friendship. The film explores themes of friendship, identity, and survival, making it a deeply relatable and emotional journey for audiences everywhere.
The screenplay, written by Neeraj Ghaywan and Sumit Roy, has been praised for its sensitivity and depth. The film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with support from co-producers Marijke de Souza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier. In a major boost, legendary Hollywood director Martin Scorsese has come on board as executive producer.
Why is This Achievement Special?
Being selected for the Cannes Film Festival is a big deal for any filmmaker. The festival is one of the most important events in the world of cinema, and being the only Indian feature film chosen this year makes Homebound stand out even more. The Un Certain Regard section, where the film was screened, is known for showcasing unique and powerful stories from around the world. For Homebound to receive such a warm welcome in this section is a sign of its universal appeal.
This achievement is also special because it brings Indian stories to a global stage. Often, Indian films are known for their music, dance, and drama, but Homebound shows that Indian cinema can also tell deep, emotional stories that connect with people everywhere. The standing ovation at Cannes is proof that good storytelling knows no borders.
The Team’s Reaction
After the screening, the team of Homebound was overwhelmed by the response. In videos shared on social media, Ishaan Khatter was seen beaming and hugging his co-star Vishal Jethwa, while director Neeraj Ghaywan and producer Karan Johar embraced each other with tears in their eyes. Janhvi Kapoor, who was also part of the group hug, looked emotional and grateful. The entire team thanked the audience, soaking in the moment of cinematic glory.
Karan Johar, who is known for producing many successful films, was especially moved. He was seen standing behind the team, wiping away tears, as the applause continued. This moment was not just a personal victory for the team, but also a proud moment for Indian cinema as a whole.
A New Chapter for Indian Cinema
The success of Homebound at Cannes is a sign of changing times. Indian filmmakers are now telling stories that are not just popular at home, but also appreciated by audiences and critics around the world. Neeraj Ghaywan, who first came to Cannes with his debut film Masaan (which also won awards), is now recognized as a director who can make films that touch hearts globally.
This achievement is also important for the actors. Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa have shown that young Indian actors can hold their own on the world stage. Their performances in Homebound have been praised for their honesty and depth.
Looking Ahead
The standing ovation at Cannes is just the beginning for Homebound. The film is expected to release in India and other countries soon, and the positive response at Cannes will surely help it reach a wider audience. For Indian cinema, this is a moment to celebrate and be proud of. It shows that our stories, when told with sincerity and passion, can make an impact anywhere in the world.
What This Means for Indian Cinema
The success of Homebound at Cannes is more than just a personal victory for its team. It is a sign that Indian cinema is growing and evolving. While Bollywood is famous for its grand musicals and larger-than-life dramas, films like Homebound prove that there is room for all kinds of stories—stories that are simple, emotional, and real.
This achievement also encourages other Indian filmmakers to tell their own stories, no matter how small or personal. It shows that if a film is made with honesty and heart, it can find love and recognition anywhere, even at the biggest film festivals in the world.
At the same time, it is important to remember that not every film will get a standing ovation at Cannes. But the success of Homebound reminds us that Indian cinema has the power to connect with people everywhere, and that is something to be proud of.
Final Note
Homebound’s nine-minute standing ovation at Cannes is a landmark moment for Indian cinema. It is a story of friendship, dreams, and struggle that has touched hearts around the world. The film’s success is a reminder that good stories, no matter where they come from, can inspire and move people everywhere. As Indian cinema continues to grow, we can look forward to more such moments that make us proud on the global stage.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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