Actor Vishal Jethwa had recently bagged the prestigious Snow Leopard Award for Best Actor at the Asian World Film Festival for moving performance in Neeraj Ghaywan's critically acclaimed recent film Homebound.
While the film, also headlined by Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, has been receiving acclaim at multiple international screenings, Vishal’s emotionally charged performance has also been getting tremendous praise, cementing his place as one of the most promising upcoming young actors in Indian cinema.
Sharing his gratitude, Vishal said, “Dreams do come true when you refuse to give up. Receiving the Snow Leopard Best Actor Award is a surreal moment. As actors we may be the face, but the entire cast and crew of Homebound deserve this honour. It’s my first Best Actor and first international award truly special. Thank you so much… bohot bohot dhanyawad. Jai Hind.”
He further added in his statement, “Homebound gave me a global platform to tell a story that is both personal and universal. To be recognised among such remarkable international talent at AWFF is incredibly humbling. This win reminds me that honest storytelling always finds its way to people’s hearts.”
Homebound had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival this year where it reportedly received a nine–minute standing ovation. The film, based on a New York Times article by Basharat Peer from 2020, has been selected as India's official entry for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category. It was theatrically released on September 26 to positive responses from audiences and critics. Homebound has also recently secured a gala screening at the Marrakech International Film Festival. Martin Scosese served as the executive producer of the film.
The film follows two childhood friends from a small North Indian village chase a police job that promises them the dignity they've long been denied. However, as they inch closer to their dream, mounting desperation threatens the bond that holds them together.
The film is currently streaming on Netflix following its theatrical run.