How did you prepare to portray the deep friendship between Shoaib and Chandan?
Ishaan: We spent a lot of time together even before filming, including workshops and spending one-on-one time to build genuine chemistry. The director Neeraj wanted us to be vulnerable and connect beyond just the happy moments.
Vishal: Yes, we couldn’t fake this friendship; it had to feel real for the audience. Spending time together and sharing personal stories helped immensely.

What inspired your connection to the characters’ struggles?
Vishal: I come from a lower middle-class background and have seen struggles firsthand, which helped me relate to Chandan’s journey.
Ishaan: Our job was to create empathy. Even though we haven’t lived their exact lives, we worked hard to understand their world and portray it authentically.

How challenging was it to stay immersed in these emotionally intense roles?
Ishaan: It was very draining physically and emotionally. Neeraj encouraged us to stay immersed, which meant we couldn’t just switch off after scenes. But it was rewarding because the entire set supported our work.
Vishal: I lost about 10 kilos preparing for this role. It was tough but necessary to make the portrayal believable.

What was the experience like premiering at Cannes and receiving such a strong audience response?
Vishal: It was overwhelming and special, especially having my mother there. The nine-minute standing ovation was unforgettable.
Ishaan: It’s gratifying to see a film with such a sensitive story get that much appreciation. It’s a proud moment for all of us involved.

What message do you hope audiences take away from Homebound?
Ishaan: We want people to empathize and understand lives they might not be familiar with. The film shows resilience and spirit, not just hardship.
Vishal: It’s about hope and friendship despite immense social challenges.