Homebound Made Us Rethink Everything: Jethwa & Khatter Speak Out

Actors Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter, alongside director Neeraj Ghaywan, discussed the transformative impact of their film Homebound at a Mumbai press conference. Set to release in India on September 26, the film, inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s The New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home,” explores the childhood friendship between a Muslim (Khatter) and a Dalit (Jethwa) as they pursue a police job to reclaim dignity denied by their surnames. Featuring Janhvi Kapoor and executive-produced by Martin Scorsese, Homebound has garnered global acclaim at festivals like Cannes and Toronto.

Jethwa, reflecting on his role, highlighted the film’s focus on societal judgment tied to language proficiency in India. “Those who don’t speak English fluently are often judged by class, despite equal talent,” he said, drawing from his own struggles with English due to limited access to elite education. Ghaywan’s encouragement to embrace his authentic identity resonated deeply, with Jethwa noting, “If I were a ‘cool dude,’ I wouldn’t be in this film, nor would it have reached the Oscars.” His heartfelt Hindi speeches at Cannes and Toronto’s 2,600-seat theaters earned resounding applause, reinforcing the power of authentic expression.

Khatter emphasized Homebound’s role in sharpening his social awareness. “It’s not enough to have good intentions; if you’re privileged to influence others, you must be socially aware,” he said, crediting Ghaywan’s egalitarian approach on set. He recalled his first director, Majid Majidi, advising, “To be a good artist, first be a good person,” a principle Ghaywan embodied by fostering a hierarchy-free environment where every crew member’s input was valued. Khatter, a long-time admirer of Ghaywan’s 2015 film Masaan, described the collaboration as profoundly enriching.

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Ghaywan addressed the casting of known stars like Khatter, Jethwa, and Kapoor, stating, “The story is paramount, but having talented, recognizable actors ensures it reaches the communities it represents.” The film’s global resonance, from standing ovations to festival accolades, underscores its universal appeal and social relevance, making it a powerful vehicle for dialogue on caste, identity, and systemic inequities in India.

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