Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, has made headlines after being shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. As the film gains international recognition, behind-the-scenes revelations are emerging, shedding light on creative decisions that shaped the final cut — including the removal of a major character and an entire romantic storyline.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Ishaan Khatter revealed that television actor Reem Shaikh was originally part of Homebound and played a crucial role in the film’s early version. Known for popular TV shows such as Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Tujhse Hai Raabta, and Fanaa: Ishq Mein Marjawan, Reem portrayed the romantic partner of Ishaan’s character, Mohammed Shoaib Ali. Their relationship was not a minor subplot but a fully developed emotional arc that featured prominently in the film’s initial edit.
According to Ishaan, the film’s first cut ran close to three and a half hours, making it unsuitable for Academy Awards eligibility. As a result, the makers had to significantly trim the runtime to approximately two hours, leading to some painful creative sacrifices. Reem Shaikh’s track, despite being well-written, shot, and appreciated by the team, was eventually removed to tighten the narrative.
“It was a beautifully written track and was quite personal to Neeraj as well,” Ishaan shared. “We shot it. Reem Shaikh played the character and she is incredible and everybody loved it. But in the interest of the final film and what it needed, sometimes decisions need to be taken. I have learnt this quite early that sometimes you have to kill the darlings.”
Ishaan was quick to clarify that the decision had nothing to do with Reem’s performance. Instead, it was purely a storytelling choice aimed at preserving the film’s pacing and thematic focus. His comments highlight a lesser-seen side of filmmaking, where even impactful performances and emotionally rich storylines may not make it to the screen for the sake of the larger vision.
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound follows two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who chase the dream of becoming police officers in search of dignity and social respect. As ambition and desperation rise, their bond is tested by moral compromises and harsh realities.
Produced by Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, Homebound continues to spark conversations — not just for its Oscar journey, but also for the powerful stories that were left behind in the editing room.