Homebound will redefine Janhvi’s image, says director

Janhvi Kapoor, who has often been at the receiving end of harsh trolling and public scrutiny, appears to be on the verge of a transformative career moment with her upcoming film ‘Homebound’, according to the director of the movie.

The film recently premiered at theCannes Film Festival to an overwhelming response, receiving a 9-minute standing ovation, and the director Neeraj Ghaywan believes this marks a pivotal shift in Janhvi's acting journey.People will wake up to her true potentialSpeaking to Variety, Neeraj Ghaywan addressed the criticism Janhvi has faced and the seriousness with which she approached this role. “She’s been maligned publicly and heavily trolled,” he said, “but when people see this film and her true potential, they’ll wake up to see she’s really made of something else.” Ghaywan revealed that he gave Janhvi B.R. Ambedkar’s Annihilation of Caste to better understand the socio-political fabric that forms the backdrop of the film. Janhvi reportedly immersed herself in the text, deepening her connection to the world and emotions of her character.“It was like therapy”: Karan Johar on Janhvi’s emotional growthProducer Karan Johar also opened up about Janhvi’s preparation and emotional engagement with the role.

She participated in a 10-day acting workshop with Neeraj Ghaywan before shooting began. According to Karan, the process had a therapeutic impact on her. “She felt she was in 10 days of therapy with Neeraj, and she felt healed as a result,” he said. Janhvi herself considers the time spent filming 'Homebound' as the most profound experience of her career.

“She felt she wasn’t really acting but going through some sort of personal catharsis,” Karan added.'Homebound': A Tale of Dignity, Dreams, and Disillusionment'Homebound' also features Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in key roles. As per the Cannes Film Festival’s official synopsis, the story follows two childhood friends from a North Indian village chasing a police job that promises long-denied dignity. As they near their goal, desperation tests their bond and reveals the deeper layers of societal injustice and personal struggle. The film’s critical acclaim at Cannes signals not just a powerful story but also a stunning performance from Janhvi Kapoor.