Dharma Productions has released the trailer for Homebound, a socially charged drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. The film is set to release in Indian theatres on September 26, 2025.
Homebound tells the story of two childhood friends—Mohammad Shoaib, played by Ishaan Khatter, and Chandan Kumar, portrayed by Vishal Jethwa—who dream of becoming police officers. Set in rural Uttar Pradesh, the film explores their struggle against caste-based and communal discrimination while preparing for government recruitment exams. Shoaib, a Muslim office worker, faces religious bias, while Chandan, a Dalit, endures casteist humiliation. Their shared hope lies in earning a uniform that commands respect in a deeply divided society.
Janhvi Kapoor plays a PhD aspirant and close friend to the duo, navigating her own challenges as a woman in a conservative environment.
Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound marks his return to feature films after a decade. The screenplay is co-written by Ghaywan, Basharat Peer, Sumit Roy, and Varun Grover, with dialogues by Shreedhar Dubey. The film is co-produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Martin Scorsese serving as executive producer.
The story is inspired by Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times essay, “A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway,” which documented the journey of two migrant workers during India’s COVID-19 lockdown.
The trailer has received widespread praise for its emotional depth and realism, sparking conversations around systemic inequality and the pursuit of dignity through public service. Homebound is expected to be one of the most impactful releases of the year.
