Dharma Productions shared an exciting update from Day 1 of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, featuring the star cast of the highly anticipated drama Homebound. Actors Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa were spotted together, set to premiere this powerful film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan.
Homebound is a poignant drama inspired by a real-life story featured in the New York Times, exploring the friendship and caste struggles faced by two childhood friends from a rural village in North India during the COVID-19 lockdown. The film deeply delves into their aspirations to become police officers—a job that symbolizes the dignity they have been denied for years.
Janhvi Kapoor was seen in a traditional outfit contrasting with her co-stars' modern looks, symbolizing the film’s larger themes of cultural conflict and social divides, a stylistic choice highlighted by film scholars as a powerful narrative device in Indian cinema. Homebound has already earned acclaim with a 9-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and marks a significant moment for Indian indie films on the global stage.
The inclusion of Homebound at TIFF signals growing international interest in authentic, socially conscious Indian stories, with festival data showing a 15% increase in South Asian film screenings since 2020—highlighting a shift beyond mainstream Bollywood narratives. Executive producer Martin Scorsese praised the film for its heartfelt portrayal and craftsmanship, further elevating its global profile.
With its compelling storytelling, stellar performances, and a powerful social message, Homebound promises to spark meaningful conversations about friendship, caste, and survival when it screens at TIFF 2025.