Bollywood director Neeraj Ghaywan’s latest offering, Homebound, made a powerful impression at its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, receiving a nine-minute standing ovation. The Hindi-language film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, was lauded for its storytelling and emotional depth.
Among those present at the event were producer Karan Johar, as well as Janhvi’s father, Boney Kapoor, and sister, Khushi Kapoor, along with the makers, making the evening all the more personal for the actress.
In a recent interview with film critic Sucharita Tyagi, Janhvi opened up about the emotional aftermath of the screening. The actress admitted that while the film’s reception was gratifying, it was her family’s overwhelming response that moved her, so much so that she deliberately kept her distance to hold back tears.
“I greeted everyone, and then I saw my dad; he was howling. He was a mess; I haven't seen him like that in a long time. My sister's eyes were bloodshot. I said I'm not going to go up to them because if I know I do, I'm going to start crying again. But he was so moved by the film. I don't think I've seen him have such a visceral reaction to any piece of art in such a long time,” Janhvi recalled.
The emotional impact wasn’t limited to her family alone. Janhvi said that watching the film with a full theatre of people was a powerful experience for everyone there.
“It was extremely cathartic for everyone in that theatre. Community viewing, and to be moved by something with such sincerity together collectively. It felt like such a special experience. Yeah, the applause was great, and seeing yourself big on the screen at the Cannes Film Festival is great, but to experience something in a room with people and to know what you tried to say connected with them and they felt something, it's incomparable,” she said.
Homebound marks Ghaywan’s second feature film after Masaan, and its Cannes reception has only raised anticipation for its wider release.
After the film's premiere, Ghaywan, Karan and Janhvi, along with Ishaan and Vishal, were all seen sharing a tight group hug, with the audience giving them a roaring round of applause and standing ovation. Janhvi was seen smiling through her tears, while Ghaywan broke down as Karan engulfed him in a warm embrace.
Homebound is also produced by Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, while legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese serves as the executive producer of the film.
