Dharma Goes to Cannes: The Partnership Changing Indian Cinema | The Hollywood Reporter x Cannes

Anupama Chopra of The Hollywood Reporter India sits down with Karan Johar and Neeraj Ghaywan at Cannes 2025, where their film "Homebound" has captivated audiences with its emotionally resonant storytelling. In this candid conversation, the unlikely collaborators reveal the extraordinary journey that brought a mainstream Bollywood producer and an acclaimed indie filmmaker together, culminating in a Martin Scorsese-backed feature that explores India's rural heartland. Karan, known for glossy commercial blockbusters, discusses his deliberate expansion of Dharma Productions' creative footprint and his surprising admission that respect and critical acclaim mean more to him than box office success. Meanwhile, Neeraj, returning to Cannes a decade after his breakthrough with "Masaan," shares the deeply personal influences behind "Homebound" and his approach to addressing sensitive cultural contexts through nuanced, meditative storytelling rather than activism.

The conversation unveils fascinating behind-the-scenes insights - from Scorsese's detailed script notes delivered via email to the immersive village experiences that transformed their actors' performances. Both filmmakers reflect on navigating India's complex fault lines through a lens of empathy rather than confrontation, with Neeraj emphasizing his desire to create dialogue across differences. In one of the interview's most heartfelt moments, Karan describes his uncontainable joy when learning of their Cannes selection, literally jumping around his bedroom in excitement at achieving this professional milestone. The pair also shares lighthearted reflections on their red carpet preparations, with Karan embracing his love for the glamorous proceedings while Neeraj admits to nervous anticipation. Their contrasting personalities yet profound mutual respect exemplifies a new collaborative model that could reshape Indian cinema's global presence.