Ishaan khatter, Jhanvi kapoor, Vishal Jethwa,s new HOMEBOUND movie review
It has taken Neeraj Ghaywan a decade to follow up the hauntingly beautiful Masaan, but his second feature, Homebound, proves that some things are worth the wait. Currently making headlines as India’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars and recently making the prestigious shortlist, this film is far from your typical Bollywood drama. It is a visceral, deeply empathetic look at friendship, identity, and the cracks in our society that the pandemic blew wide open.
The Plot: A Dream in a Uniform
The story is set in a small town in North India and follows two inseparable childhood friends: Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa). For them, clearing the national police exam isn't just about a career; it’s about survival. They believe that wearing the khaki uniform will finally act as a shield against the deep-seated religious and caste-based discrimination they face every day.
The film, based on a poignant New York Times article by journalist Basharat Peer, captures their youthful optimism and the grit of their struggle. However, their bond is tested when their paths diverge—one clears the exam while the other doesn't. Just as they are grappling with this personal rift, the 2020 lockdown hits, turning their pursuit of a "better life" into a desperate struggle to simply reach home.
Performances: A New Standard
The heart of Homebound lies in the chemistry between its leads.
• Ishaan Khatter delivers what many are calling a career-defining performance. He plays Shoaib with a quiet intensity, moving away from his "boy next door" image to show the weariness of a young man whose faith is constantly used against him.
• Vishal Jethwa is a revelation as Chandan. After his chilling debut in Mardaani 2, he shows incredible range here as a Dalit youth trying to hide his identity to gain social acceptance. His vulnerability in the second half of the film is what truly anchors the emotional stakes.
• Janhvi Kapoor, in a more restrained and sincere role as Sudha Bharti, provides the necessary emotional depth. While her screen time is shorter compared to the boys, she represents the hope and the voice of reason that Chandan clings to.
The Direction: Ghaywan’s Masterstroke
Neeraj Ghaywan has a gift for finding beauty in the mundane and the tragic. Along with writer Varun Grover, he crafts a narrative that is "unpreachy." It doesn't scream its message; it lets you feel the heat of the road and the weight of the characters' backpacks.
The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the migrant crisis, recreating the haunting images of people walking hundreds of miles with a precision that feels like a documentary yet carries the soul of a poem. With Martin Scorsese serving as an executive producer, the film has a global cinematic language that still feels rooted in the dust of Madhya Pradesh.
Why You Should Watch It
Homebound is not an easy watch, but it is an essential one. It’s a film that asks uncomfortable questions: How did we become so bereft of empathy? Why does a uniform define a man’s worth? It’s a "gentle, honest, and soulful" experience (as described by Shah Rukh Khan in his recent review) that stays with you long after the credits roll. If you’re tired of "candy-floss" cinema and want to see the power of authentic storytelling, Homebound is the film of the year. It’s currently streaming on Netflix, and it is a journey you shouldn't miss.
TAGS : ishaan khatter, jhanvi kapoor, vishal jethwa,homebound
