Martin Scorsese has joined Indian filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s Cannes Un Certain Regard selection titled “Homebound” as an executive producer

Martin Scorsese has joined Indian filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s Cannes Un Certain Regard selection titled “Homebound” as an executive producer, Variety has confirmed.

The film is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, with Somen Mishra, Apoorva Mehta, and Johar as producers. It features Ishaan Khatter (“The Perfect Couple”), Janhvi Kapoor (“Devara Part 1”), and Vishal Jethwa (“Tiger 3”).

In the story, two childhood friends from a small village in North India pursue a police job that promises them the respect they have long been denied. However, as they get closer to their goal, growing desperation threatens their friendship.

“Homebound” is co-produced by Mélita Toscan du Plantier, who also produced Ghaywan’s “Masaan,” which premiered at Cannes in 2015 and won the Avenir and Fipresci awards in the Un Certain Regard section.

“I saw Neeraj’s first film ‘Masaan’ in 2015 and loved it, so when Mélita Toscan du Plantier sent me the project for his second film, I was intrigued. I loved the story and the culture and wanted to help. Neeraj has created a beautifully crafted film that significantly contributes to Indian cinema. I am pleased the movie is an official selection at Un Certain Regard in Cannes this year,” Scorsese said in a statement shared by Johar on his Instagram stories.

“‘Homebound’ is an extraordinary blend of talent, vision, and storytelling at its best. Having @martinscorsese_ , a true cinema legend, lend his wisdom and support to Neeraj’s remarkable vision elevates our film to a unique artistic level,” Johar posted on Instagram. “With an incredibly talented cast and the prestigious platform of Cannes, we eagerly anticipate sharing ‘Homebound’s powerful story with audiences worldwide.”

Scorsese is no stranger to Indian cinema, with The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project founded by him restoring Indian classics—most recently 1977’s “Ghatashraddha,” which debuted at Venice Classics last year.

“I am still in disbelief! Having an icon like Martin Scorsese lend his name to our film, #Homebound, is an honor beyond words. I’m deeply grateful to our co-producer Mélita Toscan, who introduced us to him,” Ghaywan posted on X.

“Mr. Scorsese mentored us through the screenplay and multiple rounds of editing. He listened carefully, understood the cultural context, and provided thoughtful, incisive feedback each time. His kindness and dedication are extraordinary, and having him nurture our film has been both a rare privilege and a profoundly humbling experience,” Ghaywan added.