Ishaan Khatter couldn’t hide his excitement as he shared a cheerful selfie with the cast and crew of Homebound, just as the film gears up for its screening at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
The Instagram post, filled with warm jackets, wide grins, and celebratory energy, featured co-stars Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa, alongside director Neeraj Ghaywan, producer Somen Mishra, and Dharma Productions’ Apoorva Mehta.
The group looked visibly thrilled — and for good reason. Homebound has been selected for TIFF’s prestigious Gala Presentations category, a space reserved for major premieres that are expected to leave a mark.
The selection feels like another big win for the team, especially after the film’s emotional debut at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.
Karan Johar was the first to share the big news, writing on Instagram: “#Homebound has been officially selected for the Toronto International Film Festival 2025 (@tiff_net) in the Gala Presentations category. Extremely thrilled and elated to be a part of this prestigious festival – another time for us at Dharma.”
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound tells the story of two childhood friends from a quiet North Indian village who dream of becoming police officers — not for glory, but for dignity and self-worth. But as their dream edges closer, the cracks begin to show. The film talks about how the system can test friendship, hope, and survival.
At Cannes, the film moved audiences to a standing ovation that lasted nine minutes — a rare feat. And with Martin Scorsese attached as executive producer, the project has already captured the attention of the global film community.
Ishaan Khatter, who plays Shoaib, opened up about the role in an interview with The National, calling it “deeply complex, beautiful and human.” He said, “There’s a persistence to this character, despite all odds, that almost made him feel like an optimist in the beginning… your heart really breaks for him and for their friendship.”
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