Bhopal-Shot 'Homebound' Wins Praise At Cannes Film Fest

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A film 'Homebound' which was shot entirely in Bhopal and its surrounding areas won praise at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film premiered at the film festival’s “Un Certain Regard” section and was the only Indian film to feature in this prestigious category. The screening was met with a standing ovation lasting nine minutes, with international filmmakers, directors, artists, and audiences lauding the film.

The film’s global standing was further elevated by the involvement of internationally acclaimed, Oscar-winning American filmmaker Martin Scorsese.

A major portion of ‘Homebound’ was shot in 2024 in Bhopal and nearby areas, which offered a rich mix of natural, cultural, and urban landscapes.

‘Homebound’ has been produced under the banner of Dharma Productions, marking their fifth film shot in Madhya Pradesh. The film is produced by Karan Johar and directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, whose earlier film Masaan also received critical acclaim. Homebound stars Ishan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles.

The ‘Homebound’ team praised the smooth filming experience in Madhya Pradesh — from the easy availability of diverse locations to the support of local communities, the filmmakers regarded the state as an ideal shooting destination. Several team members expressed a strong desire to return to the state for future projects.