Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan has stepped forward to defend producer Karan Johar, who recently faced public criticism for his remarks about the film ‘Homebound’. Ghaywan clarified that Johar’s comments, which touched upon the film’s profitability and the future of similar projects, were misunderstood.
Neeraj Ghaywan Defends Karan Johar
Expressing his disappointment, Ghaywan stated, “He has such a big production banner, he’s such a big producer, he doesn’t need to back a film like this. He was fully aware that the film wouldn’t be a blockbuster or make profits for him. But the emotional ethos of the story touched him, and that’s why he chose to support it.” He added that seeing people question Johar’s integrity and make accusations truly saddened him.
Ghaywan emphasized the negative impact of misquoting and misconstruing statements, noting that it could deeply affect morale and devalue Johar’s contribution. He believes that a leading production house like Dharma Productions supporting a sensitive film by an independent filmmaker is a significant achievement that deserves commendation, rather than criticism. He urged everyone to consider the broader implications, suggesting that such negative reactions could deter future collaborations for similar meaningful cinema.
Further elaborating, Ghaywan explained that Karan Johar’s comments were made from a business perspective and did not signify a refusal to support films like ‘Homebound’ in the future. He also acknowledged Johar’s role in providing him with complete creative freedom during the film’s production.
What Karan Johar Had Said
In a recent conversation, Karan Johar discussed his professional decisions, stating, “Now, you have to take every decision with profitability. It is very important to be profitable. We are a commercial enterprise. I made Homebound, which was critically acclaimed worldwide, but I can’t say if I’ll take such decisions in the future or not.” He acknowledged that while he might feel upset, growth in the commercial space necessitates profitability.
Johar’s remarks sparked considerable backlash on social media. In response, he posted a note on Instagram on October 10, requesting that his comments be understood in context, clarifying that the discussion was an “academic chat on the business of our movies.” He reaffirmed his pride in ‘Homebound’, calling it one of Dharma Productions’ finest and most sensitively made films.
About Homebound
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, ‘Homebound’ premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, where it was met with a nine-minute standing ovation. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, was released in cinemas on September 26, 2025. Despite receiving positive critical reviews, the movie did not perform well at the box office, grossing approximately ₹2.65 crore worldwide.
Set in a North Indian village, ‘Homebound’ chronicles the journey of childhood friends striving to clear the national police exam and escape poverty. The film has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category.