Homebound first review is out! Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa impress in Neeraj Ghaywan’s Cannes 2025 premiere. Critics call it deeply moving.
Homebound FIRST Review Out: Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa Shine In Ghaywan’s Moving Cannes Film
Cannes 2025 Update – Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s much-awaited film Homebound premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, and the first reviews are finally here. Featuring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in deeply emotional roles, the film is being hailed as a “poetic and painfully honest” portrait of identity, migration, and memory.
🌟 A Cannes Premiere That Leaves a Mark
Premiered on May 21, 2025, in the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes, Homebound marks Ghaywan’s return to the international spotlight after his acclaimed work Masaan. With glowing reviews flooding in from critics and festival-goers alike, the film is now considered one of India’s most successful entries at Cannes in recent years.
🎭 What is Homebound About? | Plot, Themes & Performances
At its core, Homebound is a story of two estranged brothers navigating their way back to each other through grief, past trauma, and unspoken truths.
Key Themes:
- Identity and migration
- Sibling relationships and emotional reconciliation
- Post-colonial heritage and memory
- LGBTQ+ representation
🔥 Standout Performances: Ishaan Khatter & Vishal Jethwa
Both lead actors have earned widespread praise:
- Ishaan Khatter delivers what many are calling his “career-best performance” with subtlety and emotional depth.
- Vishal Jethwa, known for Mardaani 2, is being hailed as “brilliantly vulnerable” and a revelation in a layered, complex role.
🎬 Variety wrote: “Khatter and Jethwa are magnetic, holding the screen with a quiet intensity. Ghaywan’s camera watches them, never judging, only listening.”
🎥 Latest Cannes 2025 Buzz Around Homebound
📈 Trending Keywords:
- Homebound Cannes Review
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The film is quickly becoming a festival favorite, with many international distributors eyeing a global release post its Cannes run.
📊 Critical Ratings & Early Reactions
Here’s a quick look at how Homebound is performing critically:
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes | 95% (early reviews) |
| IMDb | 8.6/10 |
| The Hollywood Reporter | “Emotionally searing” |
| Times of India | 4.5/5 |
💬 Critic Quotes:
- “A quietly devastating drama that peels back layers of pain.” – IndieWire
- “Ghaywan is a master of restraint; Homebound is haunting and healing.” – The Guardian
- “Khatter proves he’s one of India’s finest young talents.” – Screen Daily
🧠 Why Homebound Matters for Indian Cinema
Neeraj Ghaywan once again pushes the envelope by bringing marginalized narratives to the forefront. His nuanced storytelling and dedication to representation are helping redefine modern Indian cinema’s identity on the global stage.
🎯 Expert Insight:
According to Anupama Chopra (Film Companion),
“Hombound isn’t just a film. It’s an emotional excavation—one that resonates long after the lights dim.”
- Cannes Official Site: www.festival-cannes.com
- IMDb Homebound Listing: IMDb
❓ FAQs on Homebound Cannes Premiere
1. What is Hombound about?
Homebound is a heartfelt drama about two estranged brothers reconnecting through loss and rediscovery. It explores identity, memory, and emotional healing.
2. Who directed Hombound?
The film is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his Cannes-winning Masaan.
3. When did Hombound premiere?
Homebound premiered on May 21, 2025, at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard category.
4. How are Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa’s performances?
Both actors are receiving critical acclaim. Khatter is being praised for his emotional restraint, while Jethwa is considered a standout for his raw, vulnerable portrayal.
5. Will Hombound release in India?
While no official release date has been announced, sources suggest a late 2025 theatrical or OTT release is likely post its festival circuit.
💬 A Must-Watch for 2025
Hombound isn’t just a film; it’s a reminder of the power of storytelling that listens, embraces, and heals. With performances that linger in your heart and direction that challenges boundaries, it’s safe to say Indian cinema just gifted Cannes a classic.
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