Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound has garnered acclaim at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), earning the second runner-up spot in the International People’s Choice Award category. The movie, which had its North American premiere at TIFF, received a standing ovation from audiences. It stars Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, and is slated for theatrical release in India on September 26, 2025.
Homebound tells the story of two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who aspire to join the police force as a means of reclaiming dignity long denied to them. As their dreams draw nearer, rising desperation begins to test the strength of their friendship. The film was co-produced by prominent names including Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, with Martin Scorsese serving as executive producer.
At TIFF, Homebound followed No Other Choice by Park Chan-wook (which won the International People’s Choice Award) and Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier (first runner-up) to clinch its position. The film has already made waves, having premiered earlier at Cannes, and is now set to reach Indian audiences soon.
