Homebound Movie Review: A Powerful Story of Friendship, Struggle, and Hope

When filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan returns to the big screen after his acclaimed debut Masaan, expectations naturally run high. With Homebound, India’s official entry to the Oscars 2025, he delivers a moving and thought-provoking tale that blends personal friendship with broader questions of caste, religion, and survival in a fractured society. Backed by Dharma Productions and carrying executive support from Martin Scorsese, the film is a rare instance of mainstream cinema daring to confront uncomfortable truths.

The Story Homebound

At its heart, Homebound is about two best friends from a small town in northern India—Chandan Kumar (Vishal Jethwa) and Mohammed Shoaib Ali (Ishaan Khatter). Both dream of escaping poverty and discrimination by becoming policemen. To them, the uniform is more than a job; it symbolises dignity, acceptance, and a way out of the daily prejudice they face because of their caste and religion.

Chandan, born into a Dalit household, hides his caste to avoid exclusion, while Shoaib, a young Muslim, endures constant reminders of his faith in schools, playgrounds, and offices. Their bond is unshaken, but their struggles mirror those of millions who remain invisible in the social fabric of India.

When the nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic strikes, the two friends are forced to walk home like countless migrant workers. What follows is a journey that is both physically exhausting and emotionally devastating. Inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s article in The New York Times, the story unfolds as a haunting reminder of the forgotten lives during the pandemic.

Themes That Resonate

The beauty of Homebound lies in its ability to weave together multiple social realities without sounding preachy. Ghaywan tackles caste bias, religious discrimination, economic hardship, and gender inequality with sensitivity and precision.

The film highlights the sharp contrasts in opportunity. Chandan is allowed to complete his graduation, but his sister is not given the same chance and is expected to earn early to support the family. Shoaib’s devotion to his ailing parents is clear, but his identity keeps shutting doors in his face. These details make the characters painfully real and easy to empathise with.

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At its core, the film asks an urgent question: what does respect really mean in a society built on exclusion? By showing how both friends cling to the idea of a police uniform as their shield, Ghaywan exposes the depth of systemic discrimination.

Performances That Shine

The performances are one of the strongest aspects of Homebound. Ishaan Khatter delivers a career-defining role, bringing quiet vulnerability and fiery intensity to Shoaib. His breakdown scenes are deeply affecting and linger in the mind long after the credits roll. Vishal Jethwa is equally powerful, portraying Chandan with restraint and honesty. Together, they create a believable friendship full of warmth, frustration, and unspoken understanding.

Shalini Vatsa, as Chandan’s mother, is unforgettable in her quiet strength. Her cracked heels and weary resilience become a metaphor for millions of women carrying entire families on their shoulders. Janhvi Kapoor makes a sincere impression as Sudha Bharti, a fellow student who understands Chandan’s struggles and urges him to dream bigger. Even in a small role, she adds depth and dignity.

Direction and Craft

Neeraj Ghaywan proves once again that he is a master of subtle, emotionally layered storytelling. He doesn’t dramatise pain unnecessarily but allows small gestures and silences to speak volumes. The screenplay, co-written with Varun Grover and Shreedhar Dubey, balances intimacy with sharp social commentary.

Cinematographer Pratik Shah captures the textures of rural India beautifully, from dusty classrooms to crowded railway stations. The sound design and background score by Naren Chandavarkar and Benedict Taylor add quiet intensity, never overpowering the narrative but enhancing its emotional depth. Nitin Baid’s editing ensures that the film moves at a steady pace, with no unnecessary diversions.

Why Homebound Matters

In many ways, Homebound is not just a film but a document of our times. It reminds us of the human cost of policies and prejudices, of how quickly the marginalised are forgotten when crisis strikes. Watching Chandan and Shoaib struggle on the road home, we are forced to confront our own privileges and blind spots.

The film also shines a light on resilience—on people who continue to fight, love, and hope despite being denied basic dignity. It is this balance of heartbreak and humanity that makes Homebound so powerful.

Verdict

Homebound is not a light watch, but it is a necessary one. Neeraj Ghaywan blends social critique with moving personal drama, creating a film that is both intimate and universal. Strong performances, thoughtful direction, and deeply relevant themes make it one of the most important Indian films in recent years.

Whether or not it brings home the Oscar, Homebound already succeeds by telling a story that needed to be told. It is a haunting, compassionate reminder of lives too often ignored and of friendships that endure even in the harshest conditions.

Rating: ★★★ (3/5)

Watch The Official Trailer Of Homebound Here

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