Janhvi Kapoor’s Cannes interaction with Vishal Jethwa during Ishaan Khatter's interview stirs online criticism

The Cannes Film Festival is known for its glitz, glamour, and cinematic excellence but sometimes, it’s the off-screen moments that grab the spotlight. This year, a video clip featuring actors Janhvi Kapoor, Vishal Jethwa, and Ishaan Khatter who were there to represent their film 'Homebound' has gone viral, and unfortunately, not for the reasons one would hope.

In the now-trending clip from a media interaction during Cannes 2025, Ishaan is seen earnestly answering a journalist’s question. Sitting right beside him are Janhvi and Vishal, who appear to be engaged in a quiet conversation of their own. While the moment may seem harmless at first glance, many viewers felt it was poorly timed. Fans and social media users were quick to call out the duo for what they saw as a lack of basic courtesy, labelling their behavior "rude" and "unprofessional."

Reactions flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with comments ranging from disappointment to frustration. “It’s disrespectful when someone’s speaking and the others are busy whispering. They’re actors, not school kids,” one user noted. Another wrote, “This is not just about etiquette, it’s about teamwork and respect.”

That said, some fans have also argued that the clip may have been taken out of context. In the fast-paced chaos of festivals like Cannes, it’s entirely possible the conversation was brief or relevant to the ongoing interview.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound made an emotional impact with its world premiere, earning a rare nine-minute standing ovation at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The film, starring Ishaan, Janhvi, and Vishal, has been praised for its sensitive storytelling and stellar performances. Backed by producers Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra with Martin Scorsese serving as executive producer, it’s clearly a cinematic triumph.

While the viral moment has stirred debate, let’s not forget to celebrate the powerful narrative that Homebound has brought to the global stage.