Film Screening: Homebound (2025)
This blog post is submitted as an assignment under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Dilip Barad and is based on the film screening of Homebound. The post briefly reviews the film and highlights its central themes such as friendship, hope, social inequality, and human resilience. Through the journey of its protagonists, the film reflects real-life struggles faced by marginalized individuals, especially during times of crisis, and effectively portrays deep human emotions, making it socially relevant and emotionally impactful.
ACADEMIC FILM STUDY WORKSHEET: HOMEBOUND (2025)
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Theatrical release poster
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | Film Studies / Sociology of Media |
| Film Title | Homebound (Hindi) |
| Director | Neeraj Ghaywan |
| Screenplay | Neeraj Ghaywan, Sumit Roy |
| Based on | A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway by Basharat Peer |
Here is the Infograph of my Whole Blog:
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'Homebound' – Navigating Artistic Ambition, Ethical Pitfalls, and Commercial Realities
1. Introduction: A Landmark of Contradictions
The 2025 film 'Homebound', directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, stands as a significant yet deeply paradoxical landmark in contemporary Indian cinema. It is a film that achieved the highest echelons of international critical acclaim, earning a coveted spot on the Oscar shortlist, while simultaneously failing to find an audience in its domestic market. This juxtaposition makes 'Homebound' a compelling flashpoint for critical debates, representing a microcosm of the conflict between the global "prestige economy" that rewards artistic rigor and the domestic "commercial imperatives" that demand box office success. This case study will dissect the complex interplay between the film's undeniable artistic merit, the serious ethical controversies surrounding its creation, and its ultimate commercial performance. By deconstructing the film's journey from journalistic source material to the silver screen, its profound thematic depth, the ethical challenges it faced, and the market forces that sealed its fate, we can draw larger conclusions about the precarious space occupied by brave, socially conscious cinema in India today.
2. The Adaptation: From Factual Reportage to Cinematic Narrative
The strategic choices made during the adaptation process are fundamental to a film's artistic and thematic identity. In the case of 'Homebound', director Neeraj Ghaywan and his team undertook a deliberate transformation of a factual piece of journalism into a fictional cinematic narrative. This section analyzes the key narrative shifts and the significant external influences that shaped the film's powerful, realist tone.
2.1. The Source Material and Narrative Transformation
The film is an adaptation of Basharat Peer's poignant 2020 New York Times essay, "A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway." The creative team's most critical decision was to alter the professions and, by extension, the core motivations of the protagonists.
This narrative shift had a profound impact on the film's central theme. By changing the protagonists' profession from textile workers to police aspirants, the story evolves from one of "pure economic survival" to a more complex examination of "institutional dignity." Chandan and Shoaib's ambition is not merely for a livelihood but for the social power and perceived equality embodied by a uniform—a tool they believe can help them escape the "ignominy" of their caste and religious identities and allow them to "stand tall among people who take issue with their very names."
2.2. The Influence of International Mentorship
The involvement of acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese as an Executive Producer was a crucial factor in the film's development. Scorsese actively mentored director Neeraj Ghaywan, a process that included watching and providing feedback on three different cuts of the film. His influence is widely seen as a key contributor to the film's unflinching "realist" tone. This mentorship likely ensured the narrative was "neither dumbed down nor sanitised for westerners," a quality that was instrumental in its positive reception at prestigious international film festivals like Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
This carefully crafted artistic vision allowed 'Homebound' to become a powerful mirror reflecting deep-seated social fissures within modern India.
3. Thematic Dissection: A Mirror to Social Fissures
'Homebound' moves far beyond a simple story of friendship to deliver a potent and layered critique of systemic inequalities in modern India. The film uses the personal journey of its protagonists to dissect the pervasive and often subtle injustices of caste, religion, and institutional failure.
3.1. The Politics of Identity: Caste and Religion
The film excels in its portrayal of intersectional discrimination, focusing on the "micro-aggressions" and "quiet cruelty" that define the daily experiences of marginalized communities.
• Caste Shame: In a revealing scene, Chandan applies for the police exam under the 'General' category, deliberately avoiding the 'Reserved' category designated for his Dalit identity. This act is not one of confidence but of self-preservation, born from a desire to avoid the "shame" and judgment he fears will follow him even if he is recruited.
• Religious Othering: The film captures the insidious nature of prejudice in a modern corporate space. An employee pointedly refuses to take a water bottle from Shoaib, who works as a peon. This small, quiet interaction is a powerful manifestation of religious segregation and bigotry operating under the surface of daily life.
3.2. Deconstructing the Myth of Meritocracy
The protagonists' pursuit of a police uniform becomes a vehicle for the film to critique the "fragile belief in fairness" within India's institutional systems. The narrative uses a stark data point to expose the mathematical impossibility of their ambition: Chandan and Shoaib are competing against 2.5 million applicants for only 3,500 seats. This staggering ratio of one job for every 700 applicants dismantles any notion of pure meritocracy, highlighting the systemic inefficiency that makes success a near-impossibility for those without social or economic capital.
3.3. The Pandemic as Narrative Catalyst
A key critical debate surrounds the film's tonal shift in its second half with the introduction of the COVID-19 lockdown. While some have criticized this as a "convenient twist," a more compelling argument is that the pandemic serves as an accelerant for the pre-existing "slow violence" of systemic neglect the characters were already enduring. The lockdown does not introduce a new crisis but rather escalates the pre-existing one, stripping away the thin veneer of societal function. This narrative device masterfully transforms the film's genre from a "drama of ambition to a survival thriller," mirroring the life-or-death stakes that were always present for the protagonists, just hidden from plain sight.
The film's fictional depiction of systemic failure, however, soon became entangled with real-world ethical controversies surrounding its own creation.
4. The "True Story" Dilemma: Ethical Responsibilities and Allegations
Adapting the true stories of real, often marginalized, individuals carries immense ethical stakes. 'Homebound', despite its critical praise for giving a voice to the voiceless, found itself at the center of serious allegations of plagiarism and subject exploitation. This section investigates these claims and synthesizes the profound ethical questions they raise. How can a film that critiques systemic apathy and the denial of dignity be celebrated when it stands accused of perpetuating those very same failures in its own creation process?
4.1. Plagiarism Suit and Producer's Defense
The film faced a significant legal challenge in the form of a plagiarism lawsuit filed by author Puja Changoiwala. She claimed that the film unlawfully copied her novel, adding a layer of creative controversy to the production. In response, the production company, Dharma Productions, officially dismissed these claims, stating they were "baseless and unfounded."
4.2. Compensation and Consent of Original Subjects
Perhaps more damaging were the claims made by the family of the real Amrit Kumar, whose life formed the basis for the character Chandan. According to reports, his family was given only Rs 10,000 initially and, critically, were unaware that the film had actually been released. This revelation sparked a debate that centered on a vital question: are filmmakers truly "standing by the lives" they portray on screen, or are they merely exploiting them for cinematic gain and critical acclaim?
4.3. Synthesizing the Ethical Debate
The controversies surrounding 'Homebound' distill a core ethical conflict in "true story" filmmaking. They force the industry to confront an uncomfortable question: Does the admirable goal of "raising awareness" about pressing social issues justify the alleged exclusion and inadequate compensation of the original subjects and creators whose lived experiences provide the very foundation for the narrative?
This ethical fallout stood in stark contrast to the near-universal praise the film received from critics, creating a paradox that extended to its performance in the marketplace.
5. Market Paradox: Critical Acclaim vs. Commercial Failure
A film's success is often measured by two distinct and sometimes conflicting yardsticks: critical prestige and commercial viability. 'Homebound' presents an extreme case of divergence between these two metrics. This section analyzes the profound disconnect between its international reception and its domestic box office performance to understand the challenges facing "serious cinema" in India.
5.1. International Prestige and Critical Reception
On the international stage, 'Homebound' was an undisputed triumph, collecting accolades that solidified its status as a major artistic achievement.
• Festival Success: The film was met with standing ovations at premier international festivals, including Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
• Academy Awards Recognition: It was selected as India's official entry for the Academy Awards and successfully made the Oscar shortlist, a rare honor for Indian cinema.
5.2. Domestic Commercial Performance
Despite its global recognition, the film's performance in its home market was a resounding disappointment.
• The official box office verdict for 'Homebound' was a FLOP.
• Its lifetime box office collection was around ₹4.58 crore.
•This commercial failure prompted producer Karan Johar to state that, due to business mandates, he might not produce "unprofitable" films like 'Homebound' again.
5.3. Analysis of the Market Disconnect
The tension between the film's critical success and domestic failure points to a structural failure within the Indian film exhibition and distribution ecosystem. While post-pandemic audience preference for commercial entertainers over "serious social cinema" is a factor, attributing the outcome solely to consumer choice is insufficient. The film's commercial fate was sealed by systemic issues, including a "flawed distribution" strategy and a "lack of screens," which reveal an industry infrastructure that is often hostile to non-mainstream narratives. 'Homebound' demonstrates a challenging landscape where critical prestige does not translate to commercial success, particularly for films that demand introspection from an audience systemically offered escapism.
6. Conclusion: The Duality of 'Homebound' as Art and Cautionary Tale
Ultimately, 'Homebound' is a film of profound duality. It is, by all critical measures, a powerful and essential work of social realism. Director Neeraj Ghaywan masterfully deconstructs the idea that dignity is a reward to be earned rather than a basic human right, exposing the systemic apathy that denies it to so many. The film's successful navigation of the global "prestige economy," culminating in an Oscar shortlist, is a testament to its artistic integrity.
However, this artistic triumph is shadowed by its legacy as a commercial failure and a cautionary tale in filmmaking ethics. The serious allegations of exploitation mar its narrative of giving voice to the marginalized, while its failure at the box office highlights the formidable "commercial imperatives" that govern the industry. The 'Homebound' case study, therefore, serves as a critical litmus test, forcing the Indian film industry to confront whether its commercial infrastructure is fundamentally incompatible with the ethical and artistic imperatives of telling the nation's most urgent stories.
Meet the Characters of 'Homebound':
The film 'Homebound' tells a poignant story about the search for dignity and a place to belong in modern India. The film explores the "Journey Home" not just as a physical migration during the lockdown, but as a metaphor for the protagonists' failed attempt to find acceptance in the social fabric of India. This narrative unfolds through the distinct yet interconnected experiences of its three main characters: Chandan, a young man burdened by his identity; Shoaib, his friend facing a different form of prejudice; and Sudha Bharti, whose character serves as a privileged counterpoint, highlighting a path to dignity through educational empowerment unavailable to the others.
Let's begin by understanding the journey of Chandan, a young man whose ambition is matched only by the societal barriers he faces.
1. Chandan (played by Vishal Jethwa): The Aspiring Protector
Chandan, a young Dalit man played by Vishal Jethwa, embodies the struggle for institutional dignity. His primary ambition is to rise above his circumstances by becoming a police constable, seeing the state apparatus not just as a job, but as a path to a life of respect. For him, the uniform is a powerful symbol—a tool for social mobility and a shield against the "ignomy" of his caste identity. His intense drive stems from a deep-seated desire to find a way to:
"...stand tall among people who take issue with their very names."
Chandan's path is blocked by both external prejudice and the internal scars it leaves behind. His key challenges are:
• The "Shame" of Identity: In a revealing decision, Chandan applies for the police exam under the 'General' category instead of the 'Reserved' one designated for his community. This choice highlights the profound shame and fear of discrimination associated with his Dalit identity, as he worries he would be judged even after being recruited.
• The Physical Manifestation of Trauma: Actor Vishal Jethwa powerfully conveys Chandan's internalized trauma through his body language. In the presence of authority figures, especially when asked to state his full name, he physically "shrinks." This somatic response is a visible representation of the power dynamics and micro-aggressions faced by the Dalit community.
• The Illusion of Meritocracy: The film deconstructs the "fragile belief in fairness" within the Indian system by contextualizing Chandan's ambition. He is one of 2.5 million applicants competing for only 3,500 seats—a ratio of one job for every 700 applicants—exposing the near-impossibility of success for the marginalized.
Chandan's struggle against caste prejudice is mirrored in the challenges faced by his closest friend, Shoaib, who confronts a different form of societal othering.
2. Shoaib (played by Ishaan Khatter): The "Othered" Citizen
Shoaib, Chandan's friend and a young Muslim man played by Ishaan Khatter, shares the dream of becoming a police constable. In a crucial decision that defines his character, Shoaib rejects a job offer in Dubai, choosing instead to pursue a government position in his home country. His journey is a tragic pursuit of acceptance in a home that constantly "others" him, and his desire for a government job is a desperate attempt to prove his belonging and loyalty to a nation that remains suspicious of him due to his faith.
Shoaib confronts a subtle but deeply corrosive form of prejudice. His main challenges include:
• Religious and Caste Othering: This is powerfully depicted in a pivotal workplace scene where an employee refuses to take a water bottle from him. This interaction is not an act of overt violence but a form of "quiet cruelty." It is a "quiet insult" that lays bare the interconnected reality of caste and religious segregation in modern corporate spaces.
• The Burden of Proving Loyalty: Shoaib's character arc is defined by a "simmering angst." This reflects the complex and painful relationship minority communities often have with the concept of home, where they are perpetually subjected to suspicion and feel they must constantly prove their right to belong.
While Chandan and Shoaib fight for a foothold within the system, the character of Sudha Bharti offers a different perspective on empowerment and privilege.
3. Sudha Bharti (played by Janhvi Kapoor): The Privileged Counterpoint
Sudha Bharti is a character whose role in 'Homebound' has sparked critical debate. She functions as a point of comparison to the two male protagonists, and her presence in the narrative is interpreted in distinct ways. Some critics argue that she primarily serves as a "narrative device" and lacks a fully developed personal story or meaningful arc of her own. Conversely, other critics contend that she represents a necessary counterpoint of "educational empowerment." From this perspective, her character highlights how access to education is a privilege that provides a pathway to dignity—a path that is significantly harder for Chandan and Shoaib to access.
Understanding these characters individually is key, but seeing how their journeys compare reveals the film's powerful commentary on society.
4. Journeys to Dignity: A Comparison
Character | Primary Motivation | Central Conflict |
Chandan | Attain "institutional dignity" and escape caste shame through the police uniform. | Battles systemic caste discrimination and the internalized trauma that causes him to "shrink." |
Shoaib | Find acceptance and prove his loyalty in a "home" that constantly "others" him for his religion. | Confronts the "quiet cruelty" of religious prejudice and his own "simmering angst." |
Sudha Bharti | N/A (as a narrative counterpoint) | Serves as a point of contrast, representing a path to dignity through "educational empowerment" and privilege. |
5. Conclusion: A Shared Story of a Systemic Failure
Neeraj Ghaywan’s 'Homebound' suggests that dignity is not a reward, but a basic right denied by systemic apathy. Through the distinct but interconnected struggles of Chandan, Shoaib, and Sudha, the film tells a larger story of a failed journey home. Their quest for acceptance in the social fabric of India is ultimately doomed, revealing the tragic truth that their "home"—both the nation and their physical village—offers no sanctuary. Their collective story is not one of personal failure, but a powerful critique of a society where the system itself is too rigid to accommodate their simple, human aspiration for a life of dignity.
Here is the Presentation on Homebound Art Failure Controversy:
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Film Analysis Case Study
HOMEBOUND
The Paradox of Prestige
An academic dissection of Neeraj Ghaywan’s 2025 masterpiece. Exploring the collision of artistic triumph, ethical controversy, and market failure.
Executive Summary
Homebound (2025) represents a significant paradox in contemporary Indian cinema. It achieved elite critical status—earning an Oscar shortlist nomination and standing ovations at Cannes—yet failed to resonate with domestic commercial audiences, labelled a "Flop" at the box office.
This infographic visualizes the film's journey from investigative reportage to narrative cinema, deconstructs its intersectional thematic depth, and exposes the ethical controversies that shadow its artistic success.
Narrative Evolution
From a journalistic essay to a cinematic screenplay, the adaptation process involved strategic shifts to transform a story of survival into a quest for dignity.
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The Source
Basharat Peer's Essay
"A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway"
Focus: Economic Survival
Characters: Textile Workers
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Creative Shift
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The Film
Neeraj Ghaywan's Screenplay
Mentored by Martin Scorsese
Focus: Institutional Dignity
Characters: Police Aspirants
"For Chandan and Shoaib, the police uniform is a tool to transcend the 'ignominy' of their caste and religious identities, representing a hope for systemic protection rather than systemic oppression."
Thematic Anatomy
Homebound functions as a cinematic autopsy of modern India. The narrative is built on three primary pillars that weigh heavily on the protagonists. This visualization represents the relative narrative intensity of these themes.
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Intersectional Discrimination:
The "quiet cruelty" of caste shame and religious othering in daily interactions.
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Myth of Meritocracy:
The false promise that hard work guarantees success in a rigged system.
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Pandemic as Accelerant:
COVID-19 is not the cause, but the catalyst for pre-existing "slow violence."
Fig 1. Narrative Weight of Thematic Pillars
The Myth of Meritocracy
The film exposes the mathematical impossibility of the "Indian Dream." The protagonists are not fighting a fair fight; they are fighting a statistical improbability.
2,500,000
Total Applicants
VS
3,500
Available Seats
*Chart uses a logarithmic scale to make the "Seats" bar visible against the overwhelming volume of applicants.
The Ethical Paradox
Can a film advocate for dignity while denying it to its subjects? Homebound faced serious ethical allegations that shadow its artistic achievements.
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Plagiarism Allegations
Author Puja Changoiwala filed a suit claiming the film unlawfully drew from her novel, also titled Homebound.
Outcome: Producers dismissed claims as "baseless and unfounded."
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Subject Exploitation
The family of the real Amrit Kumar (inspiration for Chandan) reportedly received minimal compensation and was unaware of the release.
Compensation: ₹10,000
Market Disconnect
The film's performance highlights a structural failure in the Indian film ecosystem. While it soared in the global "Prestige Economy," it crashed in the domestic "Commercial Economy."
International
Oscar Shortlist
Cannes Ovation
Domestic
Box Office: ₹4.58 Cr
Verdict: FLOP
The failure suggests socially conscious films remain confined to the "festival circuit" without robust distribution support.
Works Cited:
Barad, Dilip. "Academic Worksheet on Homebound." ResearchGate, 2025,
Changoiwala, Puja. Homebound. HarperCollins India, 2021.
Ghaywan, Neeraj, director. Homebound. Performances by Vishal Jethwa, Ishaan Khatter, and Janhvi Kapoor, Dharma Productions / Sikhya Entertainment, 2025.
Peer, Basharat. "A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway."
Thank You!
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