Homebound Movie: Is Neeraj Ghaywan’s Cannes-hit film struggling at the box office?

Despite rave reviews at Cannes and screenings at TIFF and Melbourne, Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa is struggling to find its audience in India. What’s causing this box office slowdown?

New Delhi: Neeraj Ghaywan’s much-anticipated film Homebound has generated significant buzz since its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, the movie was expected to translate critical acclaim into robust box office numbers. However, the domestic response has been modest at best.

According to Sacnilk, Homebound earned approximately Rs 7 lakh on Day 14, bringing its total domestic collection to Rs 3.37 crore. Globally, the film has amassed about Rs 3.93 crore. Opening at Rs 30 lakh, the movie has struggled to gain traction with Indian audiences, despite its festival circuit successes and critical praise.

Homebound – Story That Resonates

Homebound revolves around the lives of two childhood friends from a small Indian village, who aspire to become police officers, believing the profession will bring them respect and recognition. The film explores the strain in their bond as they face obstacles and professional responsibilities.

Alongside the lead trio of Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janh

vi Kapoor, the movie features supporting performances by Reem Shaikh, Harshika Parmar, and Shalini Vatsa. The narrative captures the delicate balance of friendship, ambition, and societal expectations, all set against the backdrop of a small Indian hamlet.

‘Kantara Chapter 1’: A 5,000-year-old story, enters the 300 crore club in 8 days

International Recognition: Cannes and Beyond

Homebound marked Neeraj Ghaywan’s return to the Cannes Film Festival, competing in the Un Certain Regard section—ten years after his breakthrough film Masaan made waves at the festival. The film also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), further cementing its international presence.

Adding to the excitement, the film has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category, highlighting its global appeal and critical recognition.

Production and Filmmaker Vision

Produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with co-production by Marijke Desouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier, Homebound continues Ghaywan’s exploration of human relationships and social landscapes in contemporary India.

The filmmaker’s signature style—emphasizing nuanced storytelling and raw emotional depth—has been praised internationally, though it seems the domestic box office hasn’t fully caught up to the acclaim.

Salman Khan shelved Rajat Bedi’s role in Radhe, promised bigger comeback

Janhvi Kapoor’s Upcoming Projects

Following Homebound, Janhvi Kapoor has an exciting slate of upcoming releases:

Takht (Bollywood, Dir. Karan Johar, 11 Dec 2025)
AA 22 (Telugu, Dir. Atlee Kumar, Dec 2025)
The Paradise (Telugu, Dir. Srikanth Odela, 26 Mar 2026)
Peddi (Telugu, Dir. Buchi Babu Sana, 27 Mar 2026)
With this diverse lineup, Kapoor continues to expand her presence in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema.