Indian cinema had a monumental moment on an international platform as Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound debuted at Cannes 2025 in the Un Certain Regard section — and the end result? A nine-minute standing ovation that left not just the audience speechless but the entire team of the film completely overwhelmed.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan and Producer Karan Johar attended the event along with their star cast -Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jehthwa and Janhvi Kapoor. The film received a standing ovation of 9-minute from the audience. Dharma Productions shared a touching inside video from Cannes 2025, capturing the emotional high after the screening of their latest film, Homebound. The audience erupted in applause, giving the team a standing ovation.
Ishaan and Karan were seen expressing heartfelt gratitude with folded hands, while Karan Johar and director Neeraj shared a deeply emotional moment on stage. The response marked a proud milestone for the team, highlighting the global resonance of Indian storytelling and Dharma’s continued impact on world cinema.
A decade after Masaan, Neeraj Ghaywan returns to Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section with Homebound—a poignant drama that traces the journey of two childhood friends from northern India, bound by a shared dream of becoming police officers to rise above their circumstances. But as their ambition edges closer to fulfillment, cracks begin to appear in their once-unbreakable bond. The film’s plot was that two childhood friends from a small village in North India pursue a police job that offers them the dignity they have long been denied. As they move closer to their goal, rising desperation begins to strain the bond between them.
The Shining Star cast of the Film :
The star cast had Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jehthwa and Janhvi Kapoor and they stunned everyone with their performance in the film and earned a standing ovation of 9 -minutes
Janhvi Kapoor made an emotional debut at Cannes 2025 in a rose-coloured Tarun Tahiliani outfit, styled with Indian elements as a tribute to her late mother, Sridevi. The metallic sheen ensemble with a veil reflected Sridevi’s timeless elegance. Janhvi admitted it felt “weird” being at Cannes without her, highlighting her mother’s lasting influence.
Ishaan Khatter attended Cannes 2025 and wore a regal maroon velvet bandhgala by Gaurav Gupta, showcasing a modern maharaja look. Ishaan expressed his pride in representing Indian cinema on a global stage.
Vishal Jethwa made a remarkable appearance at Cannes 2025 with the film Homebound, alongside Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter.
Jethwa stood out on the red carpet with his bold style and was hailed as a fashion highlight of the festival. He attended the event with his mother, marking her first international trip—adding a heartfelt layer to his Cannes moment.
Calling the experience a validation of his journey, Jethwa shared that Cannes proved he’s more than a “one-film wonder,” cementing his place among India’s rising talents.
