Here’s a bold statement: Homebound, a critically acclaimed film starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, earned just ₹5 crore domestically, yet its lead actor refuses to call it a failure. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite its dismal box office numbers, Ishaan Khatter insists the film will have a long life and isn’t just being delusional. Let’s dive into why this matters and what it says about the state of cinema today.
Updated on: Nov 05, 2025, 09:22 am IST
Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound had all the makings of a cinematic triumph. It won hearts at international film festivals, garnered rave reviews, and even became India’s official entry for the Oscars. Yet, when it hit domestic theaters, the numbers told a different story. With just ₹5 crore in box office collections, the film struggled to find its footing in India. But Ishaan Khatter isn’t ready to write it off. In a recent interview with PTI, the 30-year-old actor shared his perspective on the film’s journey, stating, ‘I don’t think this film is a failure. Films have different journeys. As far as the box office is concerned, I believe this film will have a long life. I’m not trying to be deluded or in denial about the numbers—I know them well. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible, and I won’t stop trying.’
Homebound tells the poignant story of two migrant workers, a Muslim and a Dalit, whose childhood friendship is tested during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Inspired by Basharat Peer’s The New York Times article, ‘Taking Amrit Home (A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway),’ the film highlights their struggle for dignity in a society that often denies it to them. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, it’s a powerful narrative that resonates deeply—but why didn’t it resonate at the box office?
And this is the part most people miss: Ishaan Khatter believes the audience needs to become a stakeholder in the success of such films. He said, ‘One does hope for a time when films like these will see the kind of numbers that big commercial blockbusters do, because that would change things. It would create a culture where these films are allowed to exist, thrive, and be made more often. Unfortunately, we only see films like this once in a while. To change that, the audience has to become an active participant.’
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Dharma Productions’ Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra, and Adar Poonawalla, with Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese as an executive producer, Homebound is no small endeavor. Yet, its struggle at the box office raises a thought-provoking question: Are audiences ready to embrace smaller, more meaningful films, or do they prefer the glitz of commercial blockbusters?
Controversial Take: While Ishaan Khatter’s optimism is admirable, it’s hard to ignore the reality of the numbers. Is it fair to blame the audience for not showing up, or should filmmakers rethink their strategies to bridge the gap between critical acclaim and commercial success? What do you think? Is Homebound a failure, or is Ishaan Khatter onto something bigger? Let’s discuss in the comments!
