Melbourne, August 1, 2025 — The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has announced that its 2025 edition will close with the screening of Homebound, a critically lauded drama directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan. The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa in lead roles and premiered earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation.
Produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra under Dharma Productions, Homebound also features global cinema icon Martin Scorsese as executive producer. The film is co-produced by Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan du Plantier.
Set in northern India, Homebound follows the journey of two childhood friends who aspire to become police officers to escape socio-economic constraints. As their dreams begin to materialize, their bond is tested by ambition, identity struggles, and emotional upheaval. Inspired by Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times essay “Taking Amrit Home,” the film explores themes of friendship, aspiration, and the quiet heartbreak of personal transformation.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan expressed pride in the film’s selection: “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, “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 praised the film’s emotional depth and performances: “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.”
Homebound has been nominated in multiple categories at IFFM 2025, including Best Film, Best Actor (Khatter and Jethwa), and Best Director. The festival will run from August 14 to 24 across Melbourne, featuring screenings, red carpet galas, industry panels, and the IFFM Awards.
