Hansal Mehta Salutes Neeraj Ghaywan TIFF 2025 Homebound Win

Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, continues to earn praise not just in India but internationally for its poignant storytelling and powerful performances. The emotional drama, which earlier garnered a 10-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, has now received global appreciation at the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Directed by filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, the movie has bagged the Second Runner-Up position in the International People’s Choice Award category at TIFF. The film now finds itself in the company of Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice and Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value.

Hansal Mehta congratulates the Homebound team

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta took to his Instagram stories to celebrate

and congratulate the team for the achievement. He shared Neeraj Ghaywan’s post that read, “Thrilled to announce HOMEBOUND just won the International People’s Choice Award (second runner-up) at the Toronto International Film Festival! TIFF50. Delighted to be in the company of No Other Choice (Park Chan Wook) and Sentimental Value (Joachim Trier)!”

Ishaan Khatter, grateful for the overwhelming support, reshared the post on his Instagram Stories. Karan Johar, too, posted it on his stories with several red-heart emoticons.

Homebound’s Gripping Storyline

Made under the direction of critically acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound follows the journey of two inseparable childhood friends—Chandan, a Dalit (played by Jethwa), and Shoaib, a Muslim (played by Khatter). Set in a North Indian village, the two set out to become police officers in the hopes of shielding themselves from the deep-rooted discrimination they face.

But life takes an unexpected turn when the results of their police exams are delayed, testing their friendship as desperation grows in this quest. The drama also delves into rural India’s socio-political challenges and the emotional complexities of friendship, ambition and identity.

Homebound’s Cast and Production

The emotional drama brings together Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead roles. The film is produced under the banners of Dharma Productions by Karan Johar, Somen Mishra, Apoorva Mehta and Adar Poonawalla, with Melita Toscan Du Plantier and Marijke deSouza and legendary Hollywood filmmaker Martin Scorsese serving as the executive producer. This much-awaited film is all set to tug hearts in India on September 26.