Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan's second feature film Homebound on Wednesday earned a nine-minute standing ovation at the 78th Cannes Film Festival where the movie was screened in the Un Certain Regard segment. Neeraj’s directorial debut Masaan also premiered in the same category at Cannes in 2015.
The premiere of Homebound at the Debussy Theatre was attended by Neeraj as well as the star cast -- Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. They were joined by producer Karan Johar as well as Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra, his colleagues from Dharma.
Ishaan said it has been a pleasure to work with a filmmaker like Neeraj.
"He is somebody I have loved and admired for many years... It's an honest and sincere effort of making a film with a human beating heart. I hope all of you enjoy it. I hope the film speaks for itself," he said.
Vishal said Homebound feels like a step forward for "all of us".
"I'm incredibly happy that we're representing India with our film Homebound. None of this would've been possible without your support, so thank you so much. I'm proud to be standing here and share the stage alongside these amazing actors and our director," he added.
After the screening, Dharma Productions shared a video from the premiere that showed the Homebound team receiving applause from the audience.
"9 minutes of pure love & applause! Team Homebound receiving all the appreciation at @Festival_Cannes," the studio posted.
In the short clip, Karan and Neeraj are also seen sharing a warm hug.
Prior to the screening, the team of Homebound appeared for a photocall.
Ishaan opted for a brown two-piece suit with a white shirt.
Karan chose an all-black suit from late couturier Rohit Bal's label and Jethwa wore a chequered grey-black suit.
Homebound, which is executive produced by Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese, revolves around two childhood friends played by Ishaan and Vishal.
The official synopsis of the film reads: "Two childhood friends from a small North Indian village chase a police job that promises them the dignity they've long been denied. But as they inch closer to their dream, mounting desperation threatens the bond that holds them together."
On Tuesday evening, the director appeared on the Cannes red carpet along with the film's cast and Karan.
For the red carpet, Ishaan was dressed in a deep Bordeaux velvet bandhgala designed by Gaurav Gupta.
Vishaal, also known for films such as Mardaani 2 and Salaam Venky, chose a black power suit with jewelled shoulder pads by London-based menswear designer Kaushik Velendra. He completed his look with a golden dragon as a neck piece.
Janhvi, opted for a rose-coloured custom-made Tarun Tahiliani ensemble featuring a handwoven real tissue skirt and corset, specially crafted in Banares.
Karan was dressed in a custom ensemble designed by his friend and celebrity favourite Manish Malhotra.
Socialite Natasha Poonawalla, the wife of film's co-producer Adar Poonawalla, also graced the red carpet. She walked hand-in- hand with Karan, wearing a Dior ensemble.
The Cannes Film Festival will conclude on Saturday