Neeraj Ghaywan's film Homebound, produced by Karan Johar, achieved notable recognition at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, securing the position of second-runner-up in the International People’s Choice category.

This poignant narrative follows two friends from marginalized backgrounds as they navigate their way home on foot during the Covid pandemic, bringing significant acclaim to Indian cinema globally. The lead roles are portrayed by Ishaan Khattar and Vishal Jethwa, and the film's intense themes are anticipated to provoke discussions about our moral responsibilities in challenging times.

Reflecting on his success at the festival, Ghaywan shared, “After directing Masaan in 2015, I was inundated with scripts from various studios, yet I often found myself hesitant. I sought a project that would intertwine my identity with my work—something that would genuinely challenge me and resonate with my values in a world that often feels chaotic.”

As a Dalit filmmaker, Ghaywan draws from his own experiences, mirroring the struggles of his Dalit protagonist in Homebound. He reminisced, “While filming Homebound, childhood memories resurfaced, like my father pouring water on the cement of our first home. This moment is echoed in the film. Our upbringing and experiences often seep into our creative work, sometimes without our awareness. It resides in our subconscious and eventually manifests on screen. This was a profoundly emotional journey for me—one that I will cherish.”