logo
Neeraj Ghaywan: Always feels patriotic to do a film that goes to a prestigious festival

Neeraj Ghaywan: Always feels patriotic to do a film that goes to a prestigious festival

Time of India22-05-2025
'Homebound' receives 9-minute standing ovation
When
Neeraj Ghaywan
first attended Cannes, it was in 2015 for his directorial debut Masaan . The film was selected in the Un Certain Regard and won two awards – FIPRESCI Award and the Prix de l'Avenir Prometteu.
A decade later, he's back at the fest with Homebound (2025), another human story, but this time with a little help from some very big names including Martin Scorsese and
Karan Johar
.
As Ghaywan's new film made the screening in the Un Certain Regard section this year, the filmmaker was joined by the team at the red carpet, the makers discussed Homebound at the Bharat Pavillion at Cannes.
'WE SEE URBAN STORIES IN FILMS, AND THEN THERE IS A GAZE THAT IS TOWARDS SMALL-TOWN INDIA'
'The story that I wanted to say was about these two friends,' Neeraj said during a discussion at the India Pavilion at Cannes ahead of Homebound 's screening.
He added, 'What I also feel is that more than 60 per cent of our economy, our people, live in villages, and in our films, we don't see villages anymore. We see urban stories in films, and then there is a gaze that is towards small-town India. But where are we talking about the stories from the heartland? That was one of the motivators for Homebound .
' The filmmaker continued, 'Whenever we talk about films across the world, say, people of colour, creed, they're all spoken of in numbers.
They are part of the statistics. And when you say that, it's like you're trying to persuade your urban guilt – like hiding your apathy by showing false sympathy. I felt, what if we pick one person out of that statistic and see what happens in their life and how they arrive at this point? That will make for some great story, and will truly represent the kindness, empathy – that has been my intent so far.'
NEERAJ AND I WANT TO TELL EMPATHETIC, HUMAN STORIES: KARAN JOHAR
'Neeraj Ghaywan and I come from two different schools of cinematic syntax,' Karan Johar said, 'but I think one thing that lies common in both our belief systems is that we want to tell empathetic, sensitive human stories.
That is common in both our cinemas. And it has nothing to do with syntax – it has to do with the heart the film offers.' He explained, 'I think when you see Masaan and when you see Homebound , you realise that interpersonal relationships, the handling of the emotional aspects of both the movies, and the spectrum of emotions they cover are the same.
'
Karan said that's what he tries to do in his films too. 'My syntax is more theatrical, more opulent, a little more on-the-nose, because that is the kind of filmmaking I love and what I grew up watching.
But even when I was eight or nine years old, while I loved the glory of Yash Chopra and the social drama with the opulence of Raj Kapoor, I also loved the empathy of Guru Dutt and the deep-rooted messaging of Bimal Roy. I could enjoy the brilliance of Satyajit Ray and dance to a song from a Raj Kapoor film in the same breath,' he said.
Neeraj Ghaywan
I feel this collaboration is quasi-disruptive in a way: Neeraj Ghaywan
Talking about collaborating with Karan, Neeraj said, 'I've been wanting to work with Karan.
(He also directed Geeli Pucchi , a part of the Ajeeb Daastaans anthology in 2021). I feel this collaboration is quasi-disruptive in a way. Independent filmmakers are always trying to figure out how to go about it.
Either we're doing co-productions or seeking government funding, which comes with a lot of paperwork. But here, if Karan is producing my film, then it's a different thing altogether – it paves the way for different kinds of possibilities.
Our default perception is: go to a co-production, make it happen. But for me, this is a new model.'
'We're beaming with pride that we have this kind of representation'
About
Indian cinema
finding global resonance, Karan said, 'One important thing for me is: how to take our cinema to the world, apart from catering to our domestic audience. Last year, we had Payal Kapadia shine at Cannes with All We Imagine As Light (2024), and now she is on the Cannes jury.
This makes my heart so full. We are all beaming with pride.'
He added, 'And the very next year, we have Homebound – this means we really are on the global map. I know these are baby steps. Every year, we have to make sure our stories continue to travel.'
Check out our list of the
latest Hindi
,
English
,
Tamil
,
Telugu
,
Malayalam
, and
Kannada movies
. Don't miss our picks for the
best Hindi movies
,
best Tamil movies,
and
best Telugu films
.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ishaan Khatter Leads BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 Campaign
Ishaan Khatter Leads BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 Campaign

Fashion Value Chain

time2 hours ago

  • Fashion Value Chain

Ishaan Khatter Leads BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 Campaign

BOSS has unveiled its Fall/Winter 2025 campaign, 'Be the Next', placing a strong focus on the 'Be' from its global platform 'Be Your Own BOSS.' The campaign highlights rising talents who are forging their own paths, with Indian actor and dancer Ishaan Khatter taking a leading role. Khatter, regarded as India's latest 'It Boy' making waves in Hollywood, embodies the ambition and individuality central to the BOSS identity. After his standout performance in HOMEBOUND, a critically acclaimed film at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Khatter has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic names in entertainment. His artistic journey—spanning years of dedication, craft refinement, and global recognition—showcases the qualities of resilience, versatility, and passion that align with the BOSS spirit. Joining him in the campaign are global rising stars from across creative industries: English actor Aaron Pierre, soon to debut as a superhero with DC Studios; SEVENTEEN leader and K-pop icon professional tennis star Taylor Fritz; and fashion's rising muse, Amelia Gray. Together, they represent the determination and vision behind 'Be the Next' BOSS. The campaign film follows Khatter's symbolic journey through a tunnel, toward a radiant light that mirrors his aspirations and achievements. Styled in sophisticated, richly textured ensembles from the BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 collection, Khatter embodies what it means to embrace risks, challenges, and individuality while building a legacy. Reflecting on his role, Khatter stated: 'It's about staying true to yourself, pushing boundaries, and constantly striving to grow. For me, it's not just about success but about the journey and the stories we create along the way.' BOSS is amplifying this campaign globally with a 360-degree rollout, including large-scale outdoor activations and high-impact digital and static billboards in major cities. The BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 collection is now available in BOSS stores worldwide, on and via select wholesale partners.

Ishaan Khatter takes center stage in "Be the Next" Boss Fall/Winter 2025 Campaign
Ishaan Khatter takes center stage in "Be the Next" Boss Fall/Winter 2025 Campaign

Business Standard

time2 hours ago

  • Business Standard

Ishaan Khatter takes center stage in "Be the Next" Boss Fall/Winter 2025 Campaign

HT Syndication New Delhi [India], August 20: Placing a bold emphasis on the "Be" in its iconic "Be Your Own BOSS" platform, BOSS is proud to announce Indian actor and dancer Ishaan Khatter as one of the prominent faces of its "Be the Next" BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 campaign, celebrating individuals who are emerging, pushing boundaries, and shaping their own paths to success. Khatter, India's newest 'It Boy' taking Hollywood by storm, embodies the spirit of ambition and individuality that defines the BOSS ethos. Fresh from starring in the 2025 Cannes Film Festival darling, HOMEBOUND, Khatter has quickly become one of the most exciting talents in the entertainment industry. From his early days honing his craft, to mastering his art and his ascent as an internationally recognized actor, Khatter's journey is a testament to his relentless drive, versatility, and passion for storytelling. Joining Khatter in this campaign are other inspiring talents who are emerging, and making their mark across film, sport, music, and fashion: classically trained English actor and upcoming DC Studios superhero Aaron Pierre; globally acclaimed K-pop superstar and SEVENTEEN leader, the fastest-rising star on the professional tennis circuit, Taylor Fritz; and one of the fashion industry's most sought-after new faces, Amelia Gray. Together, this dynamic cast represents the drive, determination, and vision it takes to "Be the Next" BOSS. The campaign film captures Khatter's journey through a symbolic tunnel, moving towards a bright light that represents his ambitions and accomplishments. Emerging in an intimately shot portrait, Khatter is styled in elegant, texturally rich, and tonally harmonious designs of the BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 collection. His presence in the campaign reflects the essence of what it means to "Be the Next" BOSS--someone who is unafraid to take risks, embrace challenges, and carve out their own legacy. Speaking about his involvement, Khatter shared his thoughts on what it means to "Be the Next" BOSS: "It's about staying true to yourself, pushing boundaries, and constantly striving to grow. For me, it's not just about success but about the journey and the stories we create along the way." With Khatter leading the charge, the Fall/Winter 2025 campaign is a celebration of ambition, self-expression, and the power of individuality. The campaign will be supported by a 360-degree marketing campaign amplified across large-scale outdoor advertising in key cities around the globe. Digital and static billboards in high-traffic areas will bring the BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 campaign to a wide audience. The BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 collection will be available at BOSS stores worldwide, on and through wholesale partners. CAMPAIGN CREDITS Cast: Ishaan Khatter Photographer: Mikael Jansson Creative Direction: Trey Laird & Team Laird About BOSS and HUGO BOSS: BOSS is made for bold, self-determined individuals who live life on their own terms, with passion, style, and purpose. Collections offer dynamic, modern designs for those that embrace who they are fully and unapologetically: as their own BOSS. The brand's heritage tailoring, performance suiting, casualwear, denim, athleisure, and accessories cater to the style needs of the discerning consumer. Licensed fragrances, eyewear, watches, and kidswear complete the brand. The world of BOSS can be experienced in around 500 own stores worldwide. BOSS is the core brand of HUGO BOSS, one of the leading companies positioned in the premium segment of the global apparel market. The group offers collections in 129 countries at more than 8,000 points of sale and online in 74 countries via With more than 18,500 employees worldwide, the company, based in Metzingen (Germany), posted sales of EUR 4.3 billion in the fiscal year 2024. INSTAGRAM: FACEBOOK: YOUTUBE: TIKTOK: (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)

Shah Rukh Khan Shares First Poster Of Son Aryan Khan's The Ba***ds Of Bollywood
Shah Rukh Khan Shares First Poster Of Son Aryan Khan's The Ba***ds Of Bollywood

News18

time2 hours ago

  • News18

Shah Rukh Khan Shares First Poster Of Son Aryan Khan's The Ba***ds Of Bollywood

The Bollywood superstar took to his social media to drop the first film poster of his son's debut series, 'The Ba***ds Of Bollywood'. He penned, 'Parda girne ka wait kar rahe ho? Yeh show parda phaad ke aa raha hai. (Waiting for the curtain to rise? This show is coming to tear the curtain apart).' (Image: YouTube/Screengrab) Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, the show reportedly dives into the eccentric world of aspirants, hustlers, and dreamers who navigate the chaos of the Hindi film industry. (File Pic) Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar recently confirmed their cameos in Aryan's directorial debut series. The first look teaser of The Ba***ds of Bollywood was unveiled on August 17, and it took social media by storm.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store