Ishaan Khatter: Homebound is Not a Failure

Ishaan Khatter recently expressed his thoughts on his film, Homebound, which, despite receiving critical acclaim, struggled at the box office with earnings of merely ₹5 crore. He firmly believes that the film should not be labeled a ‘failure’ and emphasized that every film has its own journey.

Released in India after making waves at international film festivals, Homebound tells the poignant story of two childhood friends from different backgrounds—a Dalit and a Muslim—who aspire to become police officers. Set against the backdrop of the Covid-19 lockdowns, the film highlights their struggles for dignity and respect in a society that often overlooks marginalized communities. Ishaan, along with co-stars Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, has received praise for their performances in this powerful narrative.

In an interview with PTI, Ishaan stated, “I think this film is going to have a long life,” focusing on the hope that it will reach a wider audience over time. He acknowledged the stark reality of box office numbers but was clear that he is not in denial about the film's commercial performance. Instead, he desires for Homebound to be appreciated for its storytelling and emotional depth.

The film has also been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars, which speaks volumes about its artistic merit despite the commercial challenges it faces. Ishaan highlighted the necessity for small films like Homebound to succeed at the box office, stating, “One does hope for a time where films like these will also see the kind of numbers that you see a big commercial blockbuster having.”

He believes that if audiences actively participate and support such films, it could foster a culture where diverse and meaningful stories can thrive in the Indian cinema landscape. Homebound is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, along with other notable producers.

In an industry often dominated by big-budget films, Ishaan's perspective is refreshing, reminding us of the importance of storytelling that resonates with societal issues. Homebound’s journey may just be beginning, and with Ishaan's optimism, it stands a chance to find a lasting impact.