Director Neeraj Ghaywan returns to the big screen after a decade with ‘Homebound', a compelling drama that has captured the hearts of audiences and critics across social media platforms. The film, which serves as India's official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards, has been generating tremendous buzz on Twitter, with viewers praising its authentic storytelling and exceptional performances.
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Film critic Ashwani Kumar called ‘Homebound’, “a raw and honest film about two friends stuck in lockdown far from home,” highlighting that it doesn’t rely on flashy songs or sets but instead focuses on “real stories, emotions, and social truths.” Praising Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, he said the performances are powerful, with Neeraj Ghaywan’s direction making viewers “feel every struggle deeply.” He rated the film four stars.
#HomeBoundReview #HomeBound (2025), India’s official #Oscar entry, is a raw and honest film about two friends stuck in lockdown far from home.
— Ashwani kumar (@BorntobeAshwani) September 20, 2025
With no flashy songs or big sets, it’s all about real stories, emotions, and social truths.
Rating: 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐… pic.twitter.com/hEaEyvHkhJ
Renowned critic Taran Adarsh was equally impressed, summing it up in one word, “Brilliant.” He wrote that Ghaywan delivers “a powerful story, told with heart, that leaves an unforgettable impression.” Adarsh praised the razor-sharp writing, unpredictable twists, and emotional depth, noting that the balance of drama and vulnerability is exquisite.
Calling Ishaan Khatter’s performance his “career-best,” he also praised Vishal Jethwa’s raw energy and Janhvi Kapoor’s surprising deglam role. His final verdict? Homebound is “unmissable.”
#OneWordReview...#Homebound: BRILLIANT.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) September 25, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️#NeerajGhaywan – the acclaimed director of #Masaan – delivers yet another gem with #Homebound… A powerful story, told with heart, that leaves an unforgettable impression. #HomeboundReview#Homebound is #India's official… pic.twitter.com/tTCOyTG6PQ
Journalist Praneet Samaiya described the film as “poignant” and praised both Khatter and Jethwa for delivering “career-defining performances.” He added that Janhvi Kapoor leaves a memorable impression in her brief screen time and that the friendship between the two male leads feels lived-in and authentic. According to him, Homebound grips viewers with “raw realism and deeply human storytelling.”
Movie: Homebound
— Praneet Samaiya (@praneetsamaiya) September 25, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: POIGNANT#IshaanKhatter & #VishalJethwa deliver career-defining performances in a gripping journey of friendship, struggle & hope. ✨#Homebound #HomeboundReview @DharmaMovies @ghaywan @vishaljethwa06
Director #NeerajGhaywan's… pic.twitter.com/jfXB3KuXGm
Echoing this, Kuldeep Gadhvi called the film “a raw, emotional story of friendship, dignity and struggle that hits straight to the heart,” while critic Fenil Seta said Ishaan Khatter is “outstanding in crying scenes” and Vishal Jethwa is “equally terrific,” adding that Kapoor gives a genuine performance despite limited screen presence.
🎬 #Homebound Movie Review@ghaywan delivers an absolute masterpiece! 🌟
— Kuldeep Gadhvi (@kuldeepgadhvi70) September 25, 2025
A raw, emotional story of friendship, dignity & struggle that hits straight to the heart..@DharmaMovies#IshaanKhatter , @vishaljethwa06 & #JanhviKapoor Best
Read Full Review 🔗 https://t.co/qvI88grXZo
#Homebound Ishaan Khatter delivers his best performance to date and is esp outstanding in crying scenes. Vishal Jethwa is equally terrific. Janhvi Kapoor puts up a genuine performance but her screen time is limited https://t.co/CgTA3DbYsa
— Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) September 25, 2025
Writer Somen Mishra reminded audiences that this is Ghaywan’s first film in a decade after Masaan, noting that it has received unanimous love at every major festival. “If you loved Masaan, book your tickets—you can thank me later,” he wrote.
#Homebound @ghaywan's new film in 10 years, the one after Masaan. And if you loved Masaan, book your tickets, you can thank me later. The film has got unanimous love from all the big fests wherever we premiered. And 5/4.5 stars reviews. Ab kya hi kahe. Now it's home. Watch it. https://t.co/IquJp6S4wY
— somen mishra (@somenmishra0) September 25, 2025
Meanwhile, Saurabh Kumar summed up the general sentiment, calling Homebound “pure cinema” and “an experience that’ll stay with you forever,” celebrating it as a deserving Oscar entry for India.
Pure Cinema 🔥👏 A masterpiece that blends heart, tension & brilliance.#Homebound is not just a film, it’s an experience that’ll stay with you forever. Deserving Oscar entry 🇮🇳🏆#NeerajGhaywan #IshaanKhatter #VishalJethwa #JanhviKapoor
— Saurabh Kumar (@iamsaurabh2818) September 25, 2025
‘Homebound’ presents the journey of two childhood companions from a small village in North India who share a common aspiration of joining the police force. Their dream represents more than just a career choice, it symbolises their quest for dignity and respect in a society that has often marginalised them. The narrative explores how their bond faces severe tests as they navigate through desperate circumstances and encounter the harsh realities of systemic barriers.
The film's foundation rests on the friendship between a Muslim character portrayed by Ishaan Khatter and a Dalit individual played by Vishal Jethwa. Their pursuit of a police career becomes a metaphor for breaking free from the limitations imposed by their surnames and social backgrounds.
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The film has garnered international recognition, earning standing ovations at prestigious film festivals including Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival. Reviewers have consistently praised Neeraj Ghaywan's direction, comparing his work to his previous acclaimed film ‘Masaan’.
Unlike typical commercial entertainers, ‘Homebound’ offers audiences a meaningful and emotional journey that resonates long after the credits roll. The film tackles important social issues, including caste, class divisions, and systemic challenge,s while maintaining its focus on human relationships and personal growth.
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As India's official Oscar entry for 2026, ‘Homebound’ represents the country's commitment to showcasing meaningful cinema on the global stage.
Don't Miss: Homebound at Cannes 2025: 5 Neeraj Ghaywan Films, Web Series To Watch Before Janhvi Kapoor's Film Hits India
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