Did Vishal Bhardwaj Praise Ishaan Khatter & Janhvi Kapoor's Homebound for Its Realism?
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Synopsis
Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj recently praised the film 'Homebound', featuring Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, for its authentic portrayal of human emotions. He expressed how the film’s impact stayed with him days after watching it. As India’s entry for the Oscars, this film is generating significant buzz in the independent cinema landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Vishal Bhardwaj praised 'Homebound' for its realism.
- The film features notable performances from Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor.
- 'Homebound' is India's official entry for the 2026 Oscars.
- Challenges faced by independent films include high ticket prices and fewer screens.
- Actors gain credibility while producers often incur losses.
Mumbai, October 14 (NationPress) – Acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj recently viewed the film "Homebound", featuring Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, and was thoroughly impressed by the work of director Neeraj Ghaywan.
Bhardwaj commended the film for its authenticity and the portrayal of raw human emotions.
He shared that the experience of watching the movie lingered with him long after the credits rolled. In a post on his Instagram story, he expressed, "After a long time, I watched a truly honest film filled with realism and breathtaking performances by @ishaankhatter, @vishaljethwa06, @itsshalinivatsa, @dadhipandey, and @janhvikapoor" (sic).
"Even two days later, I’m still holding onto the film," Bhardwaj remarked.
Having had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, "Homebound" has been chosen as India’s official submission for the 2026 Oscars.
On Thursday, actress Richa Chadha voiced her concerns regarding the limited number of screens for "Homebound".
In response to a Twitter user lamenting the film's screen count, Chadha discussed how independent films face challenges due to fewer screens compared to mainstream productions. She highlighted that despite receiving international accolades and critical praise, the producers of independent or meaningful films often suffer financial losses at the box office.
She tweeted, "Hmmm… the film received sufficient screenings primarily due to the producer's influence. I believe we had fewer screenings for Masaan. Each screen and KDM incurs costs. Each screening costs money. Exhibitors evaluate this against the actual number of people filling the seats who buy snacks. Fewer patrons attend because ticket prices are soaring… affordable single screens have become rare over time."
"Producers bear the financial burden long after awards are won, while actors gain market credibility and move on."
She concluded, "So what’s hindering independent films? - exorbitant ticket prices, the P&A bottleneck, fewer screens, and the monopoly of a few individuals on the screens," noted the 'Fukrey' actress.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the growing recognition of independent films like 'Homebound'. While Bhardwaj's endorsement highlights the film's artistic merit, it also sheds light on the ongoing struggles independent cinema faces in achieving commercial success amidst the dominance of mainstream productions. The conversation initiated by Richa Chadha emphasizes the need for a more supportive environment for meaningful storytelling in Indian cinema.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'Homebound'?
The film explores raw human emotions and the complexities of personal relationships.
What accolades has 'Homebound' received?
It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and has been selected as India's official entry for the 2026 Oscars.
Why are independent films struggling at the box office?
Independent films often face challenges such as high ticket prices, limited screen availability, and competition from mainstream cinema.
