Janhvi Kapoor-Ishaan Khatter’s Homebound to close Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, ‘Homebound’, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, is now set to be the closing film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025. The film was directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan.

Speaking about the film’s inclusion at IFFM, Neeraj Ghaywan shared, “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 also expressed pride in the film’s journey, stating, “At its core, Homebound is a story of aspiration, identity, and the quiet heartbreak that comes with change. 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.”

‘Homebound’ follows the journey of two childhood friends from northern India who dream of becoming police officers to escape poverty and change their lives. As their dreams begin to take shape, their friendship starts to flourish, highlighting the emotional cost of ambition and self-growth.

Backed by a production team including Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra, and co-producers Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan du Plantier, the film also features Martin Scorsese as executive producer.

IFFM 2025 will run from August 14 to 24 in Melbourne, featuring a wide range of screenings, red carpet events, engaging industry panels, and the much-anticipated IFFM Awards.