‘Homebound’ OTT Release: Watch Neeraj Ghaywan’s Film from ‘Masaan’ at Home, India’s Official Entry for the Oscars

Acclaimed writer-director Neeraj Ghaywan’s latest film ‘Homebound’ is set to release on OTT, offering audiences a chance to watch it from the comfort of their homes. The film, India’s official entry for the Oscars, has already earned international acclaim, including a nine-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival.

Ghaywan, who made waves with the 2015 critically acclaimed ‘Masaan’, returns with this poignant story of two childhood friends navigating life’s challenges. While the film did not perform spectacularly at the box office, its global recognition and festival accolades highlight its cinematic brilliance.

Cast and Crew
‘Homebound’ is both written and directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and is inspired by a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer. Produced under Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the film stars Ishan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles.

Storyline
Set in the small North Indian village of Mapur, the film follows two friends, Shoaib (Ishan Khatter), a Muslim, and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), a Dalit, who dream of becoming police officers. They hope the job will bring them the respect denied to them due to their caste and religion. Along the way, they meet Sudha (Janhvi Kapoor), a Dalit girl seeking education and independence, who aspires to free herself from societal prejudices.

Struggles and Dreams
As the friends prepare for the police recruitment exam, bureaucratic delays, family struggles, and societal discrimination threaten their dreams. Shoaib turns down a job opportunity in Dubai to care for his ill father and struggling mother, taking up a humble office job instead, only to face discrimination due to his religion. Chandan, too, must hide his Dalit identity to survive.

Heart-Wrenching Twist
Circumstances eventually force them to leave their dreams behind and take up work in a Surat factory. Their steadfast friendship and small joys bring hope to their families’ lives. However, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic introduces challenges that test them further, creating emotionally gripping moments.

Critical Acclaim
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on 21 May 2025, receiving a nine-minute standing ovation. While its domestic box office collection was modest (₹4.79 crore), the film’s story, performances, and direction have earned it widespread praise.

OTT Release
For those who missed the theatrical release, ‘Homebound’ will officially stream on Netflix starting 21 November 2025, giving audiences a chance to experience a story that blends heartfelt emotion, social commentary, and exceptional filmmaking.