When director Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Masaan was released, he proved his distinct talent and vision right from his very first movie. Masaan received critical acclaim and established him as a filmmaker of depth — of course, writer Varun Grover played an equally significant role in that success.
Now, this same duo has returned with another masterpiece — Homebound — a film that has been officially selected as India’s entry to the Oscars. With that much buzz, watching Homebound becomes almost mandatory.
Speaking about Homebound, the film stands out for its realism — the characters feel familiar, as if we’ve met them somewhere in real life. The story is set in North India, revolving around two friends who dream of a brighter future — one belonging to the Muslim community, the other a Dalit. Both are struggling to break free from their harsh circumstances.
But as they strive to fulfill their dreams, they encounter the painful realities of a society caught between global progress and age-old rigidity. Whether it’s being reminded of their caste, treated as inferior, or mentally broken down — the experiences they endure are piercingly real. Watching these scenes, one can’t help but wonder: how does a person feel when mocked or humiliated for their caste or status? Society rarely pauses to think about that. For many, such cruelty has become normal.
Yet, for countless people, life is far from easy — even after working tirelessly day after day, they struggle to meet their basic needs. Their fight isn’t for luxury; it’s just to live with dignity. Homebound is their story — a story of such struggling souls.
Our so-called “harmonious” society is actually filled with deep inequalities — ruled by insensitive mobs, corrupt politicians feeding them with money, and capitalists who indirectly control everything, be it at the national or global level. The everyday life of a common man has been completely shaken by these forces. The selfish decisions of this power nexus have turned every Indian into a “guinea pig” — helplessly surviving through the chaos.
This helplessness was something the world experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Homebound captures that very essence of human despair.
Just as life goes through many seasons of joy and sorrow but never stops flowing — like a pure, ever-moving river — Homebound draws you into that same emotional current. It’s not just a film; it’s an experience that must be witnessed on the big screen.
At first glance, it seems to be a simple story of two friends, but in truth, it’s the story of today’s new India — of caste, class, religion, and economic inequality intertwined in our everyday existence. Watching the film, the illusionary balloon of “development” bursts sharply with the pin named “Homebound.” And the echo of that burst will surely be heard all the way to the Oscars — a matter of great pride indeed.
Actor Ishaan Khatter delivers a phenomenal performance as Shoaib — at times innocent, at times helpless — portraying the emotional depth of his character with great skill. Matching him step for step is Vishal Jethwa as Chandan, whose line,
“When we speak the truth, we distance ourselves from everyone; but when we lie, we distance ourselves from ourselves,”
stays with the audience long after.
Even though Janhvi Kapoor features in the film, her role isn’t glamorized; she plays it with restraint and sincerity. The supporting cast also gives deeply realistic performances.
Homebound fearlessly exposes the hypocrisy of our society, the fascism hidden beneath consumerist glamour, and the emotionally dead man pretending that “everything is fine.” This film pierces all those fake balloons like a sharp pin, and for those whose social conscience is still alive, Homebound will leave them deeply introspective.
— Sanjay Bharatiya, A Screenplay Writer, Author & Poet, Nashik.
