Actor Vishal Jethwa has opened up about how starring in Homebound proved to be a defining chapter in his career, reshaping both the kind of roles coming his way and his standing within the industry.
In a recent conversation, Vishal reflected on the impact of the film, calling it a project that altered his professional journey in ways he hadn’t anticipated. He shared that after Homebound, he began receiving scripts that were very different from what he had been offered earlier.
According to the actor, the success of the film allowed him to step away from being boxed into one genre. He explained that actors often face the challenge of repetition, but Homebound helped him break that cycle. The roles he is now reading, he said, feel fresher, more layered, and more challenging.
Vishal described the film as something that gave him not just recognition, but also confidence and credibility. He believes it placed him in a stronger position as an actor, opening doors to meaningful opportunities. No matter where his career goes from here, he said, Homebound will always remain special to him.
Letting Go for the Sake of the Film
The actor also spoke about scenes that didn’t make it to the final cut — a common reality in filmmaking. Vishal revealed that several emotionally rich moments, including scenes with Janhvi Kapoor, a touching sequence involving his character’s mother, and montages with Ishaan Khatter, were ultimately removed to maintain the film’s pacing.
Despite this, he expressed no regret. Vishal said he understands that a film’s final shape is always about serving the story, and sometimes that means letting go of scenes that actors may feel deeply connected to.
About Homebound
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound follows the journey of two childhood friends whose shared dream of joining the police force defines their bond and challenges their lives. The film has received widespread praise for its emotional depth and grounded storytelling.
The project made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and was later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, earning appreciation from international audiences and critics alike.
Inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s acclaimed essay Taking Amrit Home, the film resonated strongly for its sensitive portrayal of friendship, loss, and ambition.Now shortlisted for the Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category, Homebound stands as a milestone in Vishal Jethwa’s career — one that not only brought him recognition but also set the stage for a new phase of creative growth.
