After a sensational Cannes premiere, the Karan Johar-produced film starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor is set to close the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 (IFFM).
The film, earlier this year, made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 and is directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with co-producers Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan du Plantier – and Martin Scorsese serving as an executive producer.
‘Homebound’ is a deeply stirring and introspective drama following two childhood friends from northern India who aspire to become police officers to escape their circumstances. But as their dream starts to become a reality, their friendship begins to falter. With its evocative narrative and layered performances, the film has emerged as one of the year’s most talked-about Indian features on the global circuit.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan shared, “Homebound explores the fragile threads of friendship, ambition, and the emotional cost of breaking free to come into your own. IFFM has long championed meaningful cinema, and I’m very excited that Homebound is part of that legacy as their closing film.”
Producer Karan Johar added, “At its core, Homebound is a story of aspiration, identity, and the quiet heartbreak that comes with change. Neeraj has crafted a hauntingly beautiful film, and I’m immensely proud that Dharma Productions could back this vision. To showcase it as the closing film at IFFM, a festival that celebrates bold and relevant storytelling, is the perfect next step in its journey.”
Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said, “We’re proud to have Homebound close IFFM 2025. Neeraj Ghaywan’s storytelling has always spoken to truth and empathy, and with stellar performances by Ishaan, Vishal and Janhvi, the film promises to leave a lasting impact. IFFM is thrilled to present this cinematic gem to Australian audiences.”
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IFFM 2025 will run from August 14 to 24 across Melbourne, featuring a dynamic line-up of screenings, red carpet events, industry panels and the highly-anticipated IFFM Awards.
