Is cinema only about entertainment and hummable tunes that sweep the audience off their feet? While we enjoy relaxing, laughing, and watching stories where everything turns out well in the end, there is something beyond the glitz and glitter. Art must also portray, with utmost sincerity, the quotidian realities of human existence. Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound is one such film that lays bare these somber truths.
A Journey Through Friendship, Struggle, and Survival
Just a week into 2026, I watched this powerful tale of friendship, one that also sheds light on the harsh day-to-day realities of those living on the fringes of society. Two young men, Mohammed Shoaib Ali (Ishan Khatter) and Chandan Kumar Valmiki (Vishal Jethwa), live with their families in a village in North India, finding contentment in simple joys. What remains absent from their lives, however, is respect which is systematically denied to them by a society dominated by upper-caste Hindus. The boys soon realize that their only path to dignity lies in joining the police force as constables.
Their dream fails to materialize, and a turn of events temporarily strains their friendship, sending them down separate paths. However, they eventually resolve their misunderstandings and reunite, finding work in a factory far from their village. This fragile new beginning comes to an abrupt halt when COVID-19 strikes the world, bringing everything to a standstill.
The final segment of Homebound is deeply engrossing. Along with a vast sea of migrant workers, Chandan and Shoaib embark on a long, arduous journey back home. The scenes vividly evoke the tumultuous days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions were forced to travel on foot in a desperate bid to reunite with their families, their very existence imperiled by an unending journey. When Chandan falls seriously ill, Shoaib offers unwavering, compassionate support throughout the ordeal. Will Chandan and Shoaib make it home to their loved ones? What stories does destiny have in store for them?
Mirroring the reality
Homebound premiered at the Cannes International Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation for the depth of its subject matter and the poignancy of its treatment. The film avoids any form of whitewashing, instead presenting with stark honesty the social ills that persist in society. It makes you reflect upon the fact that despite the economic and technological progress of contemporary India, bigotry, casteism, and religious divides continue to endure.
How heart-wrenching it is to see Chandan conceal his Dalit identity out of fear of being ostracized, ticking the “general category” box on an application. Equally sad is the incident when Shoaib is mocked and snubbed at a social gathering because of his religious identity. The narrative also exposes how deeply entrenched gender divisions can crush individual aspirations. Chandan’s sister laments that while he is allowed to pursue higher education, her own dreams were denied simply because she is a girl.
The film strikes the right notes
Inspired by Kashmiri journalist Basharat Peer’s New York Times article “Bringing Amrit Home,” Homebound is a tightly crafted film, with every element falling seamlessly into place. The direction, script, dialogue, and performances are all top-notch. While the subject matter is undeniably serious, the film never feels heavy-handed or taxing; instead, it draws the audience in, allowing them to become emotionally invested as the narrative unfolds with effortless flow.
The film rests entirely on the shoulders of Ishan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa who truly mesmerize with their mature performances. There are actors with limited screen presence that need a mention. Shalini Vatsa as Chandan’s mother leaves a mark, and equally impressive is Harshika Parmar as his sister. Jhanvi Kapoor in her role as Chandan’s love interest does a decent job.
Homebound is India’s submission for the Oscars in the International category, with the list of nominees yet to be announced. Being considered for such a prestigious platform is an honor in itself, but irrespective of the outcome, the film stands out as a remarkable piece of meaningful cinema, masterfully exploring a theme that strikes the chords of humanity.
(Homebound is currently streaming on Netflix)
rashmi writes 