After premiering at Cannes, Karan Johar’s ‘Homebound’ was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Lead Vishal Jethwa, acting alongside Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, admitted he initially couldn’t relate to the film despite his efforts during auditions.
In a YouTube interview with Sucharita Tyagi, Vishal said, “When I first watched it with Ishaan, I couldn’t connect. But at Cannes, the experience was completely different. I stopped worrying about reviews, though some Indian viewers called to say they loved it. The friendship explored in ‘Homebound’ is rare in cinema.”
Janhvi Kapoor said she never viewed ‘Homebound’ as a personal milestone. “We weren’t making it about ourselves; there was a collective sense of creating something bigger,” she explained. At Cannes, the reaction felt less like praise and more like the film had moved people, inspiring empathy in a divided world. She added, “It wasn’t about who might troll me—it was never like that at all.”
Reflecting on ‘Homebound’’s Cannes premiere, Janhvi Kapoor said she was happiest for co-stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, and director Neeraj Ghaywan, who she felt deserved international recognition.
“Ishaan is one of India’s most talented actors and seeing him appreciated globally felt like justice,” she said. About Vishal, she added, “He auditioned tirelessly, stayed true to himself, and delivered a stellar performance. I’m so proud.” On Neeraj, she said, “He’s the most honest filmmaker in the country and truly deserves this stage.”
‘Homebound’ recently secured the second runner-up position in the International People’s Choice Award category at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025. Director Ghaywan shared his excitement on social media: “Super chuffed to announce that our film Homebound just won the @TIFF International People’s Choice Award as second runner-up!! In the company of Park Chan Wook and Joachim Trier—phew!” Actor Vishal Jethwa added, “I didn’t anticipate this kind of response. Experiencing such warmth from an international audience is surreal and profoundly humbling.”
