Vishal Jethwa: Is He Ready to Break Free from Labels like ‘Hindi’ or ‘Bollywood’ Actor?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Actor Vishal Jethwa opens up about his aspirations beyond the Bollywood label, advocating for regional cinema exploration. His film 'Homebound' shines in the Oscars spotlight. Discover his artistic vision that transcends language barriers.
Key Takeaways
- Vishal Jethwa seeks to transcend conventional actor labels.
- His film “Homebound” is an official Oscar entry.
- He promotes the beauty and diversity of regional cinema.
- Vishal emphasizes storytelling's emotional impact over linguistic boundaries.
- He aims to connect with audiences through authentic performances.
Mumbai, Oct 23 (NationPress) Actor Vishal Jethwa, whose film “Homebound” has been chosen as the official entry for the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category, has shared his enthusiasm for diving into regional cinema, stating he doesn't view films through the lens of language.
In a conversation about his artistic aspirations, Vishal, who is keen on exploring South Indian cinema and Gujarati projects, told IANS: “I’ve never looked at cinema through the lens of language. A good story can travel anywhere, and I want to be part of that movement. Every regional industry in India has something special — a unique way of expressing emotion, culture, and rhythm. I’d love to explore that, whether it’s Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, or Gujarati cinema.”
He further stated: “It’s all one big creative universe, and I want to experience it fully. I don’t want to be confined to labels like ‘Hindi actor’ or ‘Bollywood actor.’”
The actor expressed a dream to be recognized as an “Indian actor”, someone who belongs universally to everyone who cherishes cinema. “The beauty of the times we live in is that audiences no longer care where a story comes from; they only care about how it makes them feel.”
“I want to connect with that audience — across languages, cultures, and regions — through honest performances.”
Regarding Homebound, the film is helmed by National Award-winning director Neeraj Ghaywan. Produced by Dharma Productions, it tells the story of two childhood friends from a small village in North India who aspire to become police officers, hoping the job will finally earn them the respect they have long desired.
As they pursue their goal, the mounting pressure and challenges threaten to strain their friendship. The film also features Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter.
Having premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, it reportedly received a nine-minute standing ovation following its screening.
Vishal's acting career commenced in 2013 with the lead role of Akbar in Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap. In 2015, he portrayed Bali in Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman, and a year later, he took on a significant role as a terrorist in Diya Aur Baati Hum.
He made his Hindi film debut as a villain in the 2019 film Mardaani 2, alongside Rani Mukerji.
Point of View
I find Vishal Jethwa's commitment to breaking barriers in cinema to be refreshing. His perspective on regional storytelling reflects a growing trend among artists to embrace a more inclusive narrative landscape. By advocating for a universal appreciation of cinema, he underscores the essence of storytelling that resonates across cultures. His journey is a testament to the evolving nature of Indian cinema and its ability to connect people from diverse backgrounds.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vishal Jethwa's upcoming film?
His upcoming film is 'Homebound', which has been selected as India's official entry for the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category.
What does Vishal Jethwa think about regional cinema?
Vishal believes that cinema should not be viewed through the lens of language and expresses a desire to explore various regional industries in India.
Who directed 'Homebound'?
'Homebound' is directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan.
When did Vishal Jethwa start his acting career?
Vishal began his acting career in 2013 with the lead role in 'Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap'.
What themes does 'Homebound' explore?
'Homebound' follows the journey of two childhood friends from North India who aspire to become police officers, exploring themes of friendship, ambition, and the pressures of societal expectations.
