Homebound at Cannes 2025 | A Landmark for Indian Indie Cinema and the Growing Need for Expert Video Production

Currently, Indian indie cinema is enjoying worldwide recognition and Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound is driving this recognition. The film Homebound won the coveted standing nine-minute ovation at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival Un Certain Regard, a milestone for Indian independent film.

The success of the movie is good news not only for the people involved, but also for Indie Film Production across India. It demonstrates that honest stories, given proper video treatment, can succeed worldwide and make a real difference for many.

This article takes a look at Homebound, details its production, talks about the help from Madhya Pradesh’s film board and why every independent storyteller needs good video production support like the kind offered by Unplug Infinity Media Pvt. Ltd.

Homebound | A Story of Resilience and Humanity

Under the direction of Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound shows the hardships of two friends who travel through Madhya Pradesh to see their families during the COVID-19 lockdown. Using actual incidents from the pandemic, the movie examines topics such as caste, religion and being able to live on, highlighting the unseen challenges faced by many migrant workers in India.

• Cast: Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, Janhvi Kapoor

• Runtime: 119 minutes

• Language: Hindi

• Production Houses: Dharma Productions (Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra, Adar Poonawalla)

• Executive Producer: Martin Scorsese

• Cinematography: Pratik Shah

• Editing: Nitin Baid

• Music: Naren Chandavarkar, Benedict Taylor

The film’s emotional depth and visual storytelling were enhanced by Madhya Pradesh’s diverse landscapes, reflecting the state’s growing reputation as a film-friendly hub. According to the Madhya Pradesh State Film Policy, filmmakers benefit from streamlined permits, location support, and financial incentives—a crucial factor in Homebound’s successful production.

Global Recognition at Cannes 2025

Homebound was India’s only entry in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2025. Its premiere on May 21, 2025, received a nine-minute standing ovation, with audiences moved by its raw storytelling and performances. Notably, the screening was attended by Janhvi Kapoor’s family—Boney Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor—who were reportedly moved to tears as the crowd chanted "Bravo!"

Leading publications have praised the film:

• Variety highlighted the "endearing unpredictability" of Khatter and Jethwa’s performances.

• The Hollywood Reporter described Homebound as a "stunning portrait of systemic cruelty and defiant courage."

• BBC Culture emphasized its layered exploration of caste and religious identities.

• Cinema Express lauded its authenticity and realistic settings.

Moreover, Martin Scorsese’s involvement as executive producer was pivotal. He mentored the team through the script and editing phases, stating:

"Neeraj has made a beautifully crafted film that’s a significant contribution to Indian cinema."

This cross-border collaboration exemplifies the growing global interest in Indian indie films and the universal themes they explore.

Behind the Scenes | The Role of Expert Video Production in Indie Filmmaking

While Homebound’s storytelling is its heart, its visual language, sound design, and technical finesse are what elevate it to a world-class cinematic experience.

Producing an indie film of this caliber requires more than just passion—it demands specialized video production expertise across pre-production, filming, and post-production. This is where companies like Unplug Infinity Media Pvt. Ltd. come in, offering a full suite of video production services tailored to the unique needs of indie filmmakers.

At Unplug Infinity Media Pvt. Ltd., we empower storytellers by providing:

Pre-Production Support: From storyboarding to location scouting, we help filmmakers plan every detail meticulously, ensuring visual consistency and narrative depth.

High-End Filming Capabilities: Our multi-camera setups, drone technology, and cinematic techniques ensure that every shot enhances the film’s storytelling.

Post-Production Excellence: Editing, color grading, VFX, and sound design are handled by industry professionals, ensuring the final cut is festival-ready.

Collaborative Approach: We believe in co-creating with filmmakers, respecting their vision while adding technical finesse to bring their stories to life.

Whether it’s an indie film like Homebound or a documentary, short film, or branded content, we’re here to support creatives who want to make an impact through powerful visual storytelling.

The Bigger Picture | Why Homebound Matters for Indian Indie Cinema

Homebound’s success at Cannes is more than just a moment of celebration—it’s a beacon of hope for Indian indie filmmakers. It proves that authentic, socially relevant stories can thrive on the global stage, especially when supported by strong production values and collaborative expertise.

For aspiring filmmakers, the message is clear:

Great storytelling must be matched with great production.

Global audiences are ready for authentic Indian stories.

Partnerships, like the one between Ghaywan, Scorsese, and Dharma Productions, are key to scaling an indie film's impact.

At Unplug Infinity Media Pvt. Ltd., we’re passionate about helping filmmakers achieve this vision. By providing industry-leading video production services, we enable storytellers to focus on their craft while we handle the technicalities that turn ideas into impactful visual narratives.

Let’s Bring Your Story to Life

Inspired by Homebound? Ready to tell a story that resonates with audiences everywhere? Let Unplug Infinity Media Pvt. Ltd. be your trusted production partner.

📞 Contact us today to explore how we can collaborate on your next film project—whether it's an indie feature, documentary, or digital short. Together, let’s bring your vision to life and make your story a global success.

Sources:

• Times of India

• India Today

• BBC Culture

• Variety

• The Hollywood Reporter

• Eastern Eye