Indian movies Homebound and In Search of The Sky win at TIFF
Neeraj Ghaywan-directed Homebound and Jitank Singh Gurjar-directed In Search of The Sky win International People’s Choice Awards and the NETPAC Award, respectively, at the 50th edition of TIFF.
TIFF 2025: Homebound became the second runner-up in the International People’s Choice Awards category, while In Search of The Sky got the NETPAC Award.
On its concluding day, the golden edition of Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) announced major awards for two Indian movies, Neeraj Ghaywan-directed Homebound and Jitank Singh Gurjar-directed In Search of The Sky (Vimukt). While Homebound is the second runner-up in the International People’s Choice Awards category, In Search of The Sky is the recipient of the NETPAC Award.
One of festival favourites, Park Chan-wook-directed No Other Choice, took home the top honour in the International People’s Choice Award category. The Korean-language movie, an adaptation of Donald E. Westlake’s novel The Ax, is a darkly comic satire about a man who has lost his job, and features Lee Byung Hun (of Squid Game fame) in the lead role.
Shot in rural Madhya Pradesh and duing Maha Kumbh Mela, which was held earlier this year, In Search of The Sky (Vimukt) is a fine example of independently-made movie, which reflects cinematic excellence. The NETPAC Award jury in its statement said they selected In Search of The Sky for this honour “for offering an indelible tale of tolerance, desperation and faith, conveyed through a unique lens of realism and poetics, elevated by striking performances”.
The jury also mentioned: “The film transports the audience to rural central India, where an impoverished elderly couple contends with their cognitively challenged adult son and the villagers who threaten their existence. A beacon of hope comes in the form of the Maha Kumbh Mela, a pilgrimage to the world’s largest spiritual gathering where they seek renewal and new possibilities of life.”
The top honour in the People’s Choice Award category was presented to Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao. One of the most sought-after movies at TIFF and highly talked-about movies of this year, Hamnet “helms this lush and tender drama about William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his family, as seen through the eyes of his thoughtful wife Agnes (Jessie Buckley)”.
The first runner-up in this category is Frankenstein, a grand visual spectacle directed by Guillermo del Toro. The cast of this brilliant adaptation of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece features Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth. The second runner-up is Rian Johnson-directed Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, which has Daniel Craig reprise his role as master detective Benoit Blanc.
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
