Ishaan Khatter is hopeful that there will come a time when smaller films like Homebound can achieve box office success on par with blockbusters, but for that to happen, the actor believes audiences must also become “stakeholders” in supporting these stories.
Homecoming directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. The film was admired by global audiences after it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, followed by more similar screenings in Toronto and Melbourne. The film is scheduled to represent India at the Oscars next year.
Despite critical acclaim, the film, which released in Indian theaters on September 26, managed to earn just Rs 5 crore at the domestic box office.
Khatter, who stars in the film alongside Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, said he would not call the film a failure “in any way, shape or form”.
“I don’t think this movie is a flop. I think movies have different journeys. As far as box office is concerned, I think this movie will have a long life. This doesn’t come from a place… I’m not trying to be deluded or deny what the box office is about. I know the numbers very well. Our hope is that it will reach as many people as possible. And I won’t give up my efforts on that.” The 30-year-old actor told PTI in an interview.
Homebound is loosely inspired by New York Times journalist Basharat Peer’s article “Taking Amrit Home (Friendship, Pandemic, and Death by the Highway).”
The film depicts a childhood friendship between a Muslim and a Dalit who are chasing a job in the police that promises them the dignity they have long been denied due to their backgrounds.
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The film is produced by Karan Johar and Apoorva Mehta of Dharma Productions along with Somen Mishra and Adar Poonawalla. Hollywood veteran Martin Scorsese serves as executive producer.
Khater said that if smaller films get good numbers at the box office, titles like Homebound will not be rare.
“One hopes that there will come a time when films like this also see the kind of numbers that big commercial films see because that would change things. It would create a kind of culture where films like this are allowed to exist and flourish and be produced much more. Unfortunately, you see a rare film like this once in a while.”
“In order to change that, the public must become an active participant, almost like a stakeholder.” However, the actor said he is happy with the response to the film.
“Call me an idealist or an optimist, but I still think that the way this movie has been showered with love and the people who have seen it, and the way they are coming out to talk about it and defend it, I hope it continues to grow, not only on a theatrical level, but also once the digital release happens, once it makes more noise internationally.
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“I personally saw the universality of this film. I saw the range and diversity of audiences who saw it and connected with it.” He said the film had a hectic production and release schedule – from completing the film to submitting it to Cannes within 40 days, followed by festival screenings in Toronto, Melbourne and Zurich.
“We were pushing until the last minute on everything. With a global release, censorship, etc., the film has been released again… but our efforts never stop, because in an ideal world, this film would reach the people it represents. That’s why he (Ghaywan) didn’t make it overly artistic or inaccessible. It has a very simple, almost accessible kind of approach. I’m very proud of him,” Khatter said.
According to the actor, the job is far from over, as they will soon embark on a promotional campaign to build buzz for the film ahead of Hollywood’s awards season, which begins with the Golden Globes in January and culminates with the Oscars in March.
“I think it will be a journey with this film… I will try to use all my strength to get as many people as possible to watch Homebound. I am literally on the ground floor. If I meet people at the airport or come to me for my other work, I tell them, ‘Please watch this beautiful film.’ I am the hero of this film in every way. So I will try not to leave any stone unturned from my end. Additionally, the actor said that he is counting on those who have seen Homebound to help spread positive word of mouth about the film.”
“If anyone sees the film, if you support it, and make it a conversation, you never know who it reaches. And that resonance is what matters at the end of the day.”
(Tags for translation) Ishaan Khatter
