Neeraj Ghaywan

Based in Mumbai 

Neeraj Ghaywan is an award-winning writer, director, and ad filmmaker known for his work across cinema and long-form storytelling. Emerging from the independent film movement in India, he has built a body of work that combines strong narratives with a focus on social realities.

He began his career assisting Anurag Kashyap on films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Ugly, before making his directorial debut with Masaan (2015). Over the years, he has worked across feature films, streaming platforms, and advertising, developing a distinct voice that often explores themes of caste, class, gender, and identity.

His debut feature Masaan premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, where it won the FIPRESCI Prize and the Promising Future Award. The film also earned him the National Film Award for Best Debut Film of a Director. The film went on to screen at multiple international festivals and is widely regarded as a landmark in contemporary Indian cinema. He has since directed projects like Juice (2017), Sacred Games (2019), and Geeli Pucchi from Ajeeb Daastaans (2021), further expanding his work across formats.

His most recent film, Homebound (2025), executive produced by Martin Scorsese, marked his return to Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section. The film also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it was named second runner-up for the International People’s Choice Award, and has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards.

Recognised globally, he was featured in Variety’s list of International Directors to Watch and continues to be one of the most prominent voices in Indian cinema addressing identity and representation through his work.

Social Media Handle: 

Instagram: @neeraj.ghaywan