At a special press conference for Homebound, actor Ishaan Khatter opened up about what makes the film so personal and unforgettable for him. Chosen as India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards, the film has already won international acclaim but for Ishaan, the true reward is the experience of being part of it.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — this is the film I’m most proud of. I feel an immense sense of pride to have been part of it.”
Speaking candidly, Ishaan described the process of making Homebound as a life-changing experience that went far beyond acting. “For me, the journey has been truly transformative. The worldview we were exposed to while making this film, by simply living this story alongside Neeraj sir, has had a profound impact on me.”
A long-time admirer of director Neeraj Ghaywan, Ishaan recalled how Masaan — Ghaywan’s debut had left a lasting impression on him a decade ago, long before he began his acting career. “I saw Masaan ten years ago, before I even started working as an actor. I remember thinking, ‘One day, I hope I get to work with this man.’ I could never have imagined that his second feature film would be the one I’d be part of.”
But once he read the script for Homebound, Ishaan realized this was not just a milestone in his career — it was something far more meaningful. “The film turned out to be bigger than me, bigger than any one of us as artists. It’s an incredibly important film — not just for our country, but for the world we’re living in today.”
Ishaan praised Ghaywan’s vision to create a story that was deeply rooted in Indian realities, yet universally accessible. “This isn’t a niche film made for a specific type of audience. Neeraj Sir has been very thoughtful in making it something that can reach and resonate with everyone. And that effort has paid off.”
The film received powerful responses from international audiences — first at Cannes, then at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
“At Cannes, we had multiple screenings with 800–900 people in the audience. The energy was electric. TIFF was even more surreal — 1,800 people watched the film with us. The crowd response there reminded me of a packed theatre in India — it felt like we were at Gaiety Galaxy.”
Ishaan also spoke about the intense preparation process, particularly working on dialect and immersing himself in rural life to embody the character authentically. “We spent over two months working on the dialect. Language is such a crucial part of building a character. Neeraj sir really guided and shaped us during that process.”
The cast and crew spent significant time in villages, meeting people, listening to their stories, and absorbing their way of life.
“It wasn’t just acting — it was an experience of life. We stayed in villages, met people, learned about their lives. It changed us. By the time we returned, we were completely united — like a family. That spiritual connection stayed with us.”
In a touching conclusion, Ishaan acknowledged how rare and special the experience was — and how much he valued Ghaywan’s thoughtful and caring approach as a director. “This has been the most special experience of my career so far. I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a director as deeply caring and thoughtful as Neeraj Ghaywan.”
And then, with humility, he added: “Even if I weren’t in the film, I would still ask people to go and watch it in theatres. It’s that special. I’m truly proud to be a part of it.”
Homebound is a 2025 Hindi-language drama written and directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, inspired by a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer. The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, and tells the story of two childhood friends from rural India who dream of joining the national police force. Their journey forces them to confront harsh realities, internal dilemmas, and the deeply embedded structures of power and inequality.
After receiving standing ovations at Cannes, Toronto, and Melbourne, Homebound is set to release in cinemas across India on 26th September 2025.