Indian Film Homebound Gets 9-Minute Standing Ovation at Cannes 2025

Indian cinema experienced a proud moment at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 as Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, premiered in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section. The film received a 9-minute standing ovation, establishing itself as one of the emotional highlights of the festival.

According to a Times of India report, the audience erupted into applause as the credits rolled, with lead actors Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter embracing the moment with tearful eyes. The cast and crew shared a group hug, moved by the overwhelming response.

9 minutes of pure love & applause!????????
Team Homebound receiving all the appreciation at @Festival_Cannes! pic.twitter.com/QFlnw13810 — Dharma Productions (@DharmaMovies) May 21, 2025

A Gritty, Soulful Story

Set in rural North India, Homebound explores the struggles of two childhood friends as they chase their dream of joining the police force to gain social dignity. The narrative dives deep into themes of caste, class, and ambition. As detailed in Business Standard’s Cannes coverage, the film is a commentary on systemic inequalities, yet told through an intimate personal lens.

The film is backed by Dharma Productions, with support from Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra. Interestingly, it also features Martin Scorsese as an executive producer—adding an international edge to its Indian soul.

Janhvi Kapoor’s Style Steals the Spotlight

Outside the screen, Janhvi Kapoor stole attention with her fashion as well. During the press conference, she wore a vintage 1957 haute couture gown, a look that drew significant praise from critics and media. Her style statement, reported by the Times of India fashion desk, was a nod to old-school elegance, further amplifying the buzz around the film.

 Redefining Janhvi Kapoor's Image

Neeraj Ghaywan’s casting of Janhvi Kapoor in such a layered role took many by surprise. In an interview covered by TOI, the director mentioned that the film would "redefine Janhvi’s image" and silence critics who had previously doubted her acting range.

Indian Cinema on the Global Stage

With the success of Homebound, Indian films continue to break into global conversations—not just for their storytelling but for their cinematic craft. The film is expected to release globally after its Cannes run and might enter the award circuit with strong momentum.

Meanwhile, Kapoor’s emotional moment was also shared across social platforms. One of the most viewed clips was from NDTV’s entertainment coverage, where her family—Boney Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor—were seen tearfully applauding from the audience.

Homebound is more than a film—it’s a statement. It’s about ambition, heartbreak, and the raw quest for identity, set against the canvas of rural India but told with a global voice. As it receives praise at Cannes, it reflects the evolution of modern Indian storytelling, where substance meets style, and local stories speak universally.