Ishaan Khatter Talks About The ‘Love Story Plot’ In Homebound

Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa’s Homebound has recently added another feather to its cap. The film has now been shortlisted for the Oscars 2026. The movie, which hit theatres on September

26, had captivated audiences across the country with its storyline, societal issues, and emotional depth. While the story focused on the friendship between the two men, Ishaan revealed that he also had a love story arc in the film, which was eventually cancelled.

In an interview with Anupama Chopra for The Hollywood Reporter India, Ishaan Khatter said, “I lost a love story but kept the soul of the film intact, which was the story between the friends.” He added, “There was a beautifully written track in the film that I think was very personal to Neeraj as well. We shot it and must credit on the table, Reem Shaikh, who played that character, was incredible.”

Homebound- Storyline

The film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, follows two childhood friends, Chandan, a Dalit (Vishal Jethwa), and Shoaib, a Muslim (Ishaan Khatter). Set in a North Indian town, Homebound depicts how they set out to become police officers in the hopes of escaping the deep-seated hostility they suffer. However, life takes an unexpected turn when the exam results are delayed, jeopardising their future and challenging their friendship as their desperation intensifies in this pursuit.

Homebound also explores the emotional complexity of friendship, as well as rural India’s sociopolitical challenges. The emotional drama was backed under the banners of Dharma Productions by Karan Johar, Somen Mishra, Apoorva Mehta and Adar Poonawalla. Melita Toscan du Plantier, Marijke and acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese are on board as executive producers.

Homebound’s Global Impact

Homebound made its worldwide debut at Cannes 2025. This film marked Neeraj Ghaywan’s return to Cannes nearly a decade after his breakout feature Masaan premiered. While Homebound was India’s official Oscar submission, it was also shown at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).