Vishal Jethwa on Homebound’s Cannes 2025 debut with Martin Scorsese

Vishal Jethwa was at the gym when director Neeraj Ghaywan called to tell him that their movie, Homebound, has been selected for the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. “My world changed in that moment,” he recalls. Having the drama, also starring Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, selected for the prestigious film festival’s Un Certain Regard section was something Jethwa didn’t even dream of. So, one can imagine his joy, when earlier this week, Hollywood heavyweight Martin Scorsese came on board Homebound as an executive producer. 

Getting Scorsese’s seal of approval is a rare feat. “When I heard Martin Scorsese’s name, I thought he was a big name. I didn’t exactly know who he is. When Ishaan and Neeraj sir told me of his films, I realised that even though I have only seen a few Hollywood movies, I’ve seen a lot of his work — from Shutter Island [2010] to The Wolf of Wall Street [2013]. It’s a surreal feeling. His eyes are on us. This is a big blessing,” Jethwa beams.

(From left) Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter in Homebound. Pics/AFP, Instagram

Homebound happened to the actor like most other films did — by pursuing it because it felt right instinctively. He says, “My process is that I should trust at least one person [in the film’s team]. If Dharma Productions is offering me a film and I don’t know anything else about it, I’ll say yes. Or if Sanjay Leela Bhansali is directing a film, it’s a yes.”

The actor’s reason to do Homebound was Ghaywan, who has displayed his distinctive voice with Masaan (2015) and the segment, Geeli Pucchi, in Ajeeb Daastaans (2021). He shares, “During [one of the] many auditions, Neeraj sir called and briefed me. Finally, one day, he called me to the Dharma office, where Ishaan, Neeraj sir, and I met for the first time. I was a bit scared. In that meeting, my chemistry with Ishaan was checked, and then, the [casting] decision was taken. It’s only after meeting sir that I understood the depth he has; he knows you completely within a few minutes of meeting you. He must have seen a lot of ups and downs to empathise like this.”

Working with Khatter was another highlight for Jethwa, who believes he has a lot to learn from his co-star. “His confidence and dedication to work [are inspiring]. He is easy-going and intelligent,” he says.

Neeraj Ghaywan

At Cannes, again

Neeraj Ghaywan’s debut feature, Masaan (2015), was also selected in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. The Vicky Kaushal-starrer had won the FIPRESCI Prize   

This article first appeared on Mid Day