Paradise City Sales and WME Independent are teaming up to co-represent “Homebound,” directed by acclaimed Indian director Neeraj Ghaywan in the run up to its world premiere at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard.
“Homebound” marks Ghaywan’s long-gestated follow up to his feature debut “Masaan” which had also premiered at Un Certain Regard in 2015 and turned out to be a highlight, winning both the Fipresci Prize and Avenir Prize.
The movie hails from Indian powerhouse Dharma Productions whose credits include “My Name Is Khan,” “Raazi” and “Kapoor & Sons.” Producers are Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra, with co-producers Marijke de Souza and Melita Toscan du Plantier, who had also produced “Masaan” and got Scorsese on board for “Homebound.”
Headlined by Ishaan Khatter (“The Perfect Couple”), Vishal Jethwa (“Tiger 3”), and Janhvi Kapoor (“Devara Part 1”), “Homebound” brings together talent from a new generation of Indian cinema.
“Homebound” revolves around two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who chase a police job that promises them the dignity they’ve long been denied. But as they inch closer to their dream, mounting desperation threatens the bond that holds them together.
Martin Scorsese, who’s always championed world cinema and joined the movie at an early stage as executive producer, said “Neeraj has made a beautifully crafted film that’s a significant contribution to Indian cinema.”
Ghaywan described “Homebound” as “a deeply personal story about friendship, dignity, and survival.” “It’s about people who are often unseen, and the quiet strength they carry in a world that rarely pauses for them,” said the director, adding that he hopes the film “helps us look closer—with empathy—and see what we’ve been conditioned to ignore.”
Paradise City Sales said the film “offers a richly textured portrait of contemporary India that feels both deeply rooted and completely universal, which will resonate with audiences everywhere.” The also praised Neeraj Ghaywan for bringing “this story of family, friendship, and resilience to life with such power.”
Ad Vitam, a leading distribution company based in Paris, will release the movie in France. Paradise City Sales will launch international sales at Cannes, while WME Independent will rep the U.S.
