Film Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Titled "Homebound," Will Be Featured at Toronto International Film Festival
Neeraj Ghaywan's much-anticipated film, "Homebound," is set to make a significant impact on the global cinema scene as it has been selected for the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025. The drama, produced by Dharma Productions, will be featured in the Gala Presentations lineup, competing alongside Chloe Zhao's Hamnet and Derek Cianfrance's Roofman.
"Homebound" is a deeply personal story that delves into the complexities of relationships and the pursuit of social status. Set in a small North Indian village, the film follows the journey of two childhood friends, played by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, who are determined to secure a government police job. This job represents a symbol of dignity and respect, which they believe will help them escape marginalization.
Directed by Ghaywan, the film explores themes of friendship, dignity, and survival. The film is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer's 2020 New York Times essay "Taking Amrit Home." Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who serves as the executive producer, was drawn to the project after being introduced to Ghaywan's work.
The friends' pursuit of their dream begins to unravel as personal and social tensions challenge their bond and shared vision. The film received a significant amount of international attention at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival under the Un Certain Regard category, receiving a nine-minute standing ovation.
Karan Johar, the producer of "Homebound," expressed his excitement about the film being part of TIFF 2025. With its Cannes acclaim and upcoming Toronto screening, "Homebound" is quickly becoming one of India's most anticipated cinematic exports of the year.
As TIFF prepares for its 50th edition, "Homebound" is set to join an esteemed lineup of films that have graced the festival over the years. The film's inclusion in the Gala Presentations category is a testament to its potential to make a lasting impact on the global film industry.
In the realm of movies-and-tv entertainment, Neeraj Ghaywan's deeply personal drama, "Homebound," will make its way to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, joining the prestigious Gala Presentations lineup alongside Chloé Zhao's Hamnet and Derek Cianfrance's Roofman. This critically acclaimed Indian film, set to become one of the country's most significant cinematic exports of the year, provides an insightful exploration of society, relationships, entertainment, and the pursuit of dignity, as it follows the journey of two friends striving for social status in a small North Indian village.
