HomeBound Press Meet: Ishaan Khatter Says Power Is in Words, Not Language

Bollywood actors Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor starrer Homebound is currently creating quite a buzz. On Monday, a press conference for Homebound was held in Mumbai, attended by Ishaan, Vishal, and the film’s director, Neeraj Ghaywan. At this event, all of them spoke about the film and shared their experiences.

Speaking of Homebound, before being officially chosen as India’s entry to the Oscars 2026, the movie was screened earlier this year in May at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a 9-minute standing ovation. It also bagged the second runner-up position for the International People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Ishaan feels proud of the film

At the Monday press conference, actor Ishaan Khatter, brother of Shahid Kapoor, said that the film enhanced his social awareness. He shared,
“I realized that good intentions alone are not enough. If you are a part of society and have the power to influence people, then you must be socially aware. During this film, I learned a lot from Neeraj Bhai.”

Vishal Jethwa speaks

Acclaimed for his powerful acting, Vishal Jethwa spoke about how the film highlights a critical issue in India — society’s discriminatory attitude based on language. He said, “Those who cannot speak English are often looked down upon. If you are fluent in English, you’re placed in one category, but if you speak in Hindi, people see you differently — even if you’re equally talented.”

He further shared that because of English, he has faced fear and exclusion many times in his life. Vishal said, “Very few films bring such changes within you after you do them. This film taught me that the most important thing is to accept yourself. In India, people are often judged for not being able to speak English, and I had the same fear, too. But Neeraj sir made me understand that a person’s real strength lies in their identity and truth, not in the language they speak.”

Words should have power

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Supporting Vishal’s statement, Ishaan Khatter added that this film has proved that thoughts and emotions matter more than language. He explained that when Vishal addressed audiences in Hindi on international platforms like Toronto and Cannes, the entire hall erupted in applause.

Ishaan said, “This is proof — in grand theatres, in halls with 2,600 seats, at places like Toronto and Cannes — he spoke in his own language, and proved the point. Words should have power, no matter the language. He expressed himself, and the theatre resounded with applause. Words must carry weight. He spoke beautifully, and that’s exactly why we made this film. We made a very rooted Indian film, in Awadhi and Hindi. We didn’t make it in English just for festivals, and still, the message reached them. Subtitles are there, but the essence still touched them.”

Neeraj Ghaywan speaks

The film Homebound, produced under the Dharma Productions banner, is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, who earlier made the critically acclaimed Masaan starring Vicky Kaushal and Richa Chadha. At the event, Ghaywan explained why it took him 10 years to bring this film to life.

He said,“I have been searching for the answer to this question for the past 10 years, but haven’t found a clear one. I’ve always been hungry to create something that pulls me out of bed and makes me scream that I have to make it. I traveled to many countries. At one point, I was obsessed with making a film on farmer suicides. Then there was a biopic I was about to do. I also made several short films and TV shows, but nothing shook me deeply from within.”

During this time, he shared why he eventually decided to make Homebound. The director said, “What drew me towards this film and inspired me to make it was friendship. Through friendship, you can communicate so many things to people. There’s a big difference between friendship and companionship. This film talks about friendship and shows how, through it, you can connect many things to people. I feel friendship is a common point, whether in villages or in societies.”

Big Statement on Martin Scorsese

At the press conference, Neeraj also acknowledged that the association of legendary Hollywood filmmaker Martin Scorsese would help them on their road to the Oscars. Sharing his views, he said, “It is going to help us, and we are privileged to have his support. He gave us a lot of notes and suggestions, based on which I made changes to the script. So, his contribution to the script has been significant.”
He added, “He even gave us feedback on the edit. And he did all of this selflessly. That’s the reason he’s one of the greatest filmmakers in the world.”

Neeraj also stressed embracing the individuality and truth of his actors. He said that on set, no one is big or small — everyone is an equal contributor, and everyone’s voice matters.

Neeraj Ghaywan’s appeal

Towards the end, the director requested,“Many of you have seen the film. A lot of people here are from the media. At one point, I too was in the media, so I understand the integrity and freedom of the press. But I request you to write about us and promote us. We’ll be grateful. But I haven’t seen such a phenomenal performance in many years, especially in the climax. If you reveal spoilers, the audience won’t be able to experience what they should. You’ll rob them of that experience. So, I request you not to write about it. You can definitely talk about the performances, but not the scene’s details.”

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What’s the story?

Homebound tells the story of two childhood friends from a small village in North India — one a Muslim (Ishaan Khatter) and the other a Dalit (Vishal Jethwa). Both aspire to become policemen, hoping the job will bring them the respect they have long been deprived of. But as they get closer to their goal, circumstances and hardships begin to test their friendship.

The film Homebound, inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s New York Times essay “Taking Amrit Home,” is set to release in India on September 26. The film’s executive producer is the acclaimed director Martin Scorsese.

FAQ

Q1. When is Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa’s film Homebound releasing?

Homebound is set to release in theatres on September 26, 2025.

Q2. Who is the director of Homebound?

The film is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his impactful storytelling.

Q3. Where was the special screening of Homebound held?

The special screening took place in Mumbai on September 22, 2025.

Q4. Which celebrities attended the Homebound screening?

The event saw the film’s cast—Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa—along with several Bollywood stars, including producer Karan Johar.

Q5. Has Homebound been showcased internationally?

Yes, Homebound has already received appreciation at prestigious festivals like the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival.

Q6. Did Janhvi Kapoor pay a tribute at the screening?

Yes, Janhvi Kapoor honored her late mother Sridevi by wearing an iconic saree at the special screening, making it an emotional moment.

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