Home / Arts and Entertainment / Ishaan Khatter Celebrates Homebound's Lasting Impact Beyond Box Office
Ishaan Khatter Celebrates Homebound's Lasting Impact Beyond Box Office
5 Nov
Summary
- Homebound earned critical acclaim but underperformed at Indian box office
- Ishaan Khatter believes the film's value exceeds its commercial outcome
- Homebound selected as India's official Oscar entry this year
In November 2025, actor Ishaan Khatter opened up about the performance of his latest film, Homebound, which received critical acclaim but underperformed at the Indian box office. Despite earning praise at international film festivals, the movie managed to collect only around ₹5 crores in India.
However, Khatter believes the film's value goes far beyond its commercial outcome. "I don't think this film is a failure. Films have different journeys," the 30-year-old actor said. He acknowledged the low box office numbers but expressed hope that Homebound will have a "long life" and reach as many people as possible.
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound features Khatter alongside Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. The story, inspired by true events, follows two migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdowns and explores the friendship between a Muslim and a Dalit man. The film has been selected as India's official entry to the Oscars this year, further validating its artistic merit.
Khatter spoke about the challenges faced by smaller films in India, noting that he hopes for a time when such stories can earn numbers comparable to big commercial blockbusters. He emphasized the need for the audience to become "active participants" in supporting these meaningful cinematic works.
