Janhvi Kapoor Reveals Dad Boney Kapoor and Sister Khushi Kapoor’s Reactions to Watching Homebound at Cannes

At the prestigious 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Janhvi Kapoor’s latest film Homebound made a powerful impact, receiving an extraordinary nine-minute standing ovation during its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section. The emotional screening saw the presence of her father, Boney Kapoor, and her younger sister, Khushi Kapoor, both of whom were visibly moved by the film.

In an interview, Janhvi Kapoor opened up about how deeply the film affected her family. She shared that after the screening, she deliberately avoided meeting her family members right away to keep herself from breaking down emotionally. Janhvi described her father Boney Kapoor’s reaction as intense and raw, saying, “I saw my dad; he was howling, he was a mess. I haven’t seen him like that in a long time.” She also noticed that her sister Khushi Kapoor’s eyes were bloodshot from tears, showing the profound emotional connection the film created for both of them.

Janhvi went on to describe the atmosphere inside the theater during the screening, emphasizing the deep emotional response from the audience. She said, “It wasn’t like gentle, cute, sniffles. It was like (imitates sobbing). I think people had an existential crisis in that room.” The film clearly struck a chord, moving many viewers to open tears.

About Homebound

Homebound is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his powerful storytelling, and stars Janhvi Kapoor alongside Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa. The film explores the journey of two childhood friends from a North Indian village who aspire to become police officers. Their path is filled with challenges and hardships that test their friendship and determination. The movie’s deep exploration of relationships, social issues, and personal growth resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike.

Produced by Karan Johar and executive produced by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, Homebound is seen as a significant film in Janhvi Kapoor’s career, marking a mature and impactful chapter in her work.

Emotional Impact on the Kapoor Family

Janhvi Kapoor’s revelation about her family’s emotional reactions highlights the personal connection they have with the film. Boney Kapoor’s usual composed demeanor gave way to raw emotion, showing just how much the story and performances touched him. Meanwhile, Khushi Kapoor, who is also stepping into the world of films, was equally affected, showing that the movie’s themes resonate beyond just Janhvi.

The Kapoor family’s presence and reaction at Cannes also signify their support and pride in Janhvi’s work. This was a special moment not only professionally for Janhvi but also personally, as it brought the family together to witness the power of storytelling on such a global stage.

Audience Reaction at Cannes

The nine-minute standing ovation Homebound received at Cannes is a testament to the film’s quality and emotional depth. Cannes audiences are known for their discerning taste, and a standing ovation of this length indicates the film’s strong resonance with international viewers. The emotional response described by Janhvi reflects how deeply the narrative connected with people from diverse backgrounds.

This response also signals a bright future for Homebound, with audiences and critics eagerly awaiting its wider release. The film’s success at Cannes has created significant buzz, elevating Janhvi Kapoor’s status as a serious actress with the ability to carry impactful cinema.