Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound, starring Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa, is all set for another major moment on the global stage. After making a powerful impression at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the film has now been officially selected for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025.
TIFF Selection: A Big Win for Team Homebound
Homebound will be screened at TIFF’s 50th edition, happening between September 4 and 14, 2025. The news was confirmed by Dharma Productions, who shared a new still from the film on their social media handles on July 16. The post read, “#Homebound has been officially selected for the Toronto International Film Festival 2025 (@tiff_net) in the Gala Presentations category.”
The film’s journey from Cannes to Toronto is being celebrated as a big achievement not only for the makers but also for Indian cinema, as it continues to shine on international platforms.
A Story of Friendship, Struggles, and Hope
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound tells a moving story of two childhood friends—Shoaib Ali (played by Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan Kumar (played by Vishal Jethwa)—growing up in a small village in North India. The two boys come from marginalised backgrounds and are eager to escape the hardships of their lives.
They believe that getting a job in the police force will earn them the respect and dignity they have been denied for so long. With dreams in their hearts, they chase this goal with determination.
However, their journey is far from easy. Chandan crosses paths with Sudha Bharti (played by Janhvi Kapoor), a young woman who encourages him to focus on education instead. On the other hand, Shoaib is burdened by financial problems at home, especially with his father’s poor health.
Despite the odds, the two remain bonded like brothers, trying to navigate a world that often lets them down. Homebound explores friendship, struggle, and the longing for a better life.
Martin Scorsese Joins as Executive Producer
Adding to the film’s recognition, legendary Hollywood director Martin Scorsese has come on board as the executive producer. He was introduced to the project by Mélita Toscan du Plantier and was immediately drawn to it.
Scorsese shared his admiration for Ghaywan’s work, saying, “I saw Neeraj’s first film Masaan back in 2015 and loved it. When I was sent the script for Homebound, I was deeply moved by the story and the culture it portrayed. Neeraj has made a beautiful film that deserves to be seen worldwide.”
The Road Ahead
While Homebound continues to receive international recognition, it has yet to lock in a theatrical release date in India. Fans are eagerly waiting to see the film on the big screen, especially after its strong reception at Cannes.
With TIFF 2025 around the corner, Homebound is ready to connect with a global audience once again. It’s not just a story from India—it’s a universal tale of hope, identity, and friendship that’s already making waves worldwide.
