Neeraj Ghaywan, director of Homebound, has addressed the debate over casting Janhvi Kapoor as a Dalit character. He explained that his choice was not only about acting ability but about finding someone with a strong “inner hunger” to portray the role with honesty and conviction.
As part of their preparation, Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa were encouraged to study Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Annihilation of Caste and spend time in rural communities. This helped them understand the social and cultural realities their characters are shaped by.
Ghaywan emphasized that such roles require actors to go beyond performance and truly step out of their comfort zones. He believes that representing marginalized voices demands emotional depth, sincerity, and an openness to experiences far removed from one’s own privilege.
Homebound follows the story of two childhood friends from a North Indian village who dream of becoming police officers, striving for dignity despite caste and religious barriers. Janhvi Kapoor plays Sudha Bharti, a Dalit girl who becomes deeply involved in their lives. The film has already drawn attention at international festivals and is set for theatrical release on September 26, 2025.
