As his film ‘Homebound‘ makes waves as India’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars, director Neeraj Ghaywan has opened up about his deliberate and “conscious” casting choices, particularly of actors Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa. At a recent promotional event, Ghaywan addressed the conversations around casting Janhvi Kapoor in the transformative role of a Dalit girl, Sudha Bharti.
Ghaywan, known for his socially conscious cinema, explained that his goal was not just to find actors with skill, but those with an “inner hunger to portray a character with intensity and truth.” He added that representing marginalized communities came with a “big responsibility,” and he wanted actors who could truly understand their characters with depth and sincerity.
To prepare the actors for their roles, Ghaywan implemented a unique process. He revealed that the first step was giving all three actors a copy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s seminal text, “Annihilation of Caste.” He also took them to rural villages to provide them with real-world experiences, encouraging them to step outside their “privileged lives” to confront the reality of their characters. Ghaywan emphasized, “This character isn’t going to come to you—you have to go to it. You have to undertake that journey.”
Produced by Dharma Productions, with Martin Scorsese as an executive producer, ‘Homebound’ is a powerful drama that follows two childhood friends, a Dalit and a Muslim, as they navigate caste and religious biases in rural India while aspiring to join the police force. The film, which has already received acclaim at international festivals like Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival, is set to release in Indian theaters on September 26, 2025.
Key Highlights:
- Director Explains Casting: ‘Homebound’ director Neeraj Ghaywan stated that his casting of Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa was a conscious decision based on their “inner hunger” to portray their characters authentically.
- Unique Preparation Method: To help the actors connect with their roles, Ghaywan had them read Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s “Annihilation of Caste” and took them to villages to experience the socio-cultural context firsthand.
- Film’s Plot and Recognition: The film follows two friends, a Dalit and a Muslim, fighting systemic biases to become police officers. It has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars and received global acclaim at festivals.
- Stepping Out of Privilege: Ghaywan stressed the importance for the actors to leave their privileged lives behind and actively immerse themselves in the realities of their characters to bring sincerity to their performances.