‘Homebound’: Neeraj Ghaywan asked Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa to step out of ‘privileged’ lives

Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’, starring Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa, is India’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars. Ghaywan chose actors with talent and a hunger to represent marginalized communities. He had them read ‘Annihilation of Caste’ and visit villages for real experiences. Ghaywan wanted the actors to understand their characters deeply.