Ishaan Khatter’s Homebound: Author takes legal action against Dharma and Netflix | Here's why

Neeraj Gheywan’s Homebound, featuring Ishaan Khatter, turned into a proud moment for India after it was shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film in the Academy Awards 2026.

Karan Johar (L) and Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa in Homebound (R)

Ishaan Khatter’s Homebound has been grabbing attention for its critically acclaimed reviews and stellar performances. Recently, Neeraj Gheywan’s Homebound turned into a proud moment for India after it was shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film in the Academy Awards 2026. The social drama film was among the top 15 contenders in the category. Homebound has yet again made headlines after author Puja Changoiwala sought legal action against the makers for infringement and copyright issues. Read on…

Authors claims Homebound is plagiarised

Neeraj Gaywan’s Homebound, backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma, has landed in trouble after journalist and author Puja Changoiwala allegedly initiated legal action against Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and Netflix for plagiarising her 2021 novel of the same name.

In a conversation with Hindustan Times via e-mail, Puja revealed that her lawyer first approached Homebound’s production team, informing them about the legal notice on the alleged infringement claims, before she moved to court.

ALSO READ: Homebound OTT release date: Here's when and where you can stream India's Oscar-entry by Neeraj Ghaywan, featuring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa

The author claimed that the movie plagiarised her 2021 novel title and also reproduced content from her original work with the same subject of ‘COVID-19 migrant exodus of 2020.’ Sharing the issue in the mail, Puja wrote, “Upon watching the film, I discovered that the producers have not only misappropriated the title of my book but have also blatantly reproduced substantial portions of my novel in the second half of the film—including its scenes, dialogue, narrative structure, sequence of events, and other creative expressions.”

The author then approached her lawyer to fight against the infringement claims and issued a legal notice against the makers with a detailed account of the violation of her work. Puja challenged Dharma and the official entities to seek removal of the plagiarised content and has already kickstarted legal proceedings with the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority.

Homebound OTT release, cast and plot

After impressing critics at the Cannes Film Festival, Homebound hit the screens in September. Featuring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead, Homebound traces a heartwarming tale of friendship, ambition, and bond against the odds of society, caste, and systematic injustice. Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa play the lead roles of two childhood friends who aspire to take the police exam. The makers shared that the story is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times article titled A Friendship, a Pandemic, and a Death Beside the Highway.

Homebound is available to stream on Netflix.

Homebound FAQs:

Q: Where to watch Homebound online?

A: Homebound is currently streaming on Netflix.

Q. Is Homebound shortlisted for Oscar Awards 2026?

A. Yes, Homebound has been shortlisted for the Academy Awards 2026. The movie secured its place in the top 15 international titles in the 'Best International feature film category.'

Q. Is Homebound plagiarised?

A. Journalist and author Puja Changoiwala allegedly initiated legal action against Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and Netflix for plagiarising her 2021 novel of the same name.

Q: What is Homebound story?

A: Homebound follows the story of two childhood friends who aspire to clear the national police exam.

Q: Who are the main actors in the film Homebound?

A: The main actors in the film Homebound are Ishaan Khatter as Mohammed Shoaib Ali, Vishal Jethwa as Chandan Kumar, and Janhvi Kapoor as Sudha Bharti.

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