Actors Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa have arrived in France ahead of the world premiere of their much-anticipated Hindi film ‘Homebound’ at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, the film is set to be showcased in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ section on May 21.

According to a PTI report, ‘Homebound’ is produced by Karan Johar and features an ensemble cast including Janhvi Kapoor, who has also reached Cannes to mark the global debut of the film. The movie’s selection for Un Certain Regard — a segment known for spotlighting fresh voices and distinctive storytelling — signals a major moment for Indian cinema on the world stage.

This marks another significant international appearance for Ishaan Khatter, who made his Cannes debut with Majid Majidi’s ‘Beyond the Clouds’ in 2017. Vishal Jethwa, who gained critical acclaim for his role in ‘Mardaani 2’, is making his Cannes debut with this project.

Director Neeraj Ghaywan, best known for his sensitive and layered storytelling in ‘Masaan’ and ‘Geeli Pucchi’, returns to the festival spotlight with Homebound, which reportedly explores themes of displacement, memory, and personal transformation. While the plot remains under wraps, industry buzz suggests it is a deeply emotional narrative anchored in strong performances and poignant direction.

The presence of the lead cast and producer Karan Johar at Cannes underlines the film’s international ambition and the growing presence of Indian content on the global festival circuit. Johar, who last made a festival splash with ‘Bombay Talkies’, has described ‘Homebound’ as “a deeply personal story that needed the world’s attention.”

With its May 21 screening, ‘Homebound’ is one of the most awaited Indian titles at Cannes this year, drawing attention from global critics and cinephiles alike. The film’s team is expected to walk the red carpet and attend press interactions ahead of its debut.