Janhvi Kapoor reveals not meeting father Boney Kapoor & sister Khushi after Homebound screening: 'Was howling'

Janhvi Kapoor recently had an unforgettable experience at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where her latest film Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, had its world premiere. The screening turned out to be an emotional moment for many—including her family.

The film stars Janhvi alongside Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa and received a strong response at the festival, ending with a nine-minute standing ovation. But for Janhvi, what stood out most wasn’t the applause—it was how deeply her father and sister were affected. In a conversation with film critic Sucharita Tyagi, Janhvi opened up about the emotional weight of the evening. Seeing her family’s reaction after the screening left a lasting impression.

“I greeted everyone, and then I saw my dad; he was howling. He was a mess; I haven't seen him like that in a long time. My sister's eyes were bloodshot. I said I'm not going to go up to them because if I know I do, I'm going to start crying again. But he was so moved by the film. I don't think I've seen him have such a visceral reaction to any piece of art in such a long time,” Janhvi recalled.

I greeted everyone, and then I saw my dad; he was howling. He was a mess; I haven't seen him like that in a long time. My sister's eyes were bloodshot. I said I'm not going to go up to them because if I know I do, I'm going to start crying again. But he was so moved by the film. I don't think I've seen him have such a visceral reaction to any piece of art in such a long time

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Also present at the premiere were her producer Karan Johar, her father Boney Kapoor, and her sister Khushi Kapoor, making the night especially personal for her.

The impact of the film wasn’t limited to her family. Watching Homebound with a full theatre added to the emotional energy of the moment. Janhvi described the experience as something rare.

“It was extremely cathartic for everyone in that theatre. Community viewing, and to be moved by something with such sincerity together collectively. It felt like such a special experience. Yeah, the applause was great, and seeing yourself big on the screen at the Cannes Film Festival is great, but to experience something in a room with people and to know what you tried to say connected with them and they felt something, it's incomparable,” she said.

Homebound is Neeraj Ghaywan’s second feature after Masaan, and its warm reception at Cannes has raised interest in the film’s upcoming release.