Beyond the Trolling: 'Homebound' Aims to Showcase the Real Janhvi Kapoor at Cannes!

Mumbai, India: Janhvi Kapoor has consistently faced intense public scrutiny and online trolling since her debut, often criticized for her 'star kid' privilege. However, with her latest film, "Homebound," making a powerful statement at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, director Neeraj Ghaywan believes the world will finally witness Janhvi's "true potential" and see that "she's really made of something else."

 

"Homebound," which received a resounding 9-minute standing ovation at Cannes, has been a transformative experience for Janhvi. Ghaywan, known for his nuanced storytelling in films like "Masaan," candidly addressed the public perception surrounding the actress. "She's been maligned publicly and heavily trolled," he told a tabloid, "but when people see this film and her true potential, they'll wake up to see she's really made of something else."

 

The film, produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and executive produced by Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese, is a gritty narrative focusing on two childhood friends from a small North Indian village striving for dignity through police jobs. Janhvi Kapoor plays the role of Sudha Bharti, a character whose journey delves into the socio-economic realities of rural India.

 

To help Janhvi connect with her character's world, Ghaywan shared a significant detail: "I gave her Ambedkar's 'Annihilation of Caste' to read, and she went into a rabbit hole of trying to understand the glaring differences that we live with together." This deep dive into the realities of caste and privilege profoundly impacted Janhvi, allowing her to approach the role with newfound empathy and understanding.

 

Karan Johar echoed Ghaywan's sentiments, revealing that Janhvi's experience on the "Homebound" set felt more like therapy. "She felt she was in 10 days of therapy with Neeraj, and she felt healed as a result," Johar stated. He added that Janhvi herself considered those seven or eight days on set to be among her best, feeling she wasn't "really acting but going through some sort of personal catharsis."

 

While some initial reviews from Cannes have praised the performances of Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, who play the two male leads, and the film's powerful narrative, there have been mixed reactions regarding Janhvi's specific portrayal. Variety noted that Janhvi "has not yet learned to shed the gestures that suggest someone was raised in a wealthy family," which could sometimes impact her character's dynamic. However, they also acknowledged that her role is "truncated to the point of feeling perfunctory," allowing the male leads to shine.

 

Despite these early assessments, the overwhelming reception at Cannes and Ghaywan's strong endorsement suggest that "Homebound" is a pivotal moment in Janhvi Kapoor's career. It marks a conscious effort to challenge perceptions and showcase her range beyond mainstream commercial cinema, offering audiences a glimpse into her untapped acting prowess and commitment to impactful storytelling. As "Homebound" gears up for its wider release, many are keenly anticipating Janhvi's performance, hopeful that it will indeed redefine her cinematic journey.