Homebound is not about an anti-establishment, it is pro-humanity: Neeraj Ghaywan

Not too long ago, Neeraj Ghaywan and Homebound's executive producer Martin Scorsese came together to have an in-depth discussion on their independent film which is now India's official entry for Oscars. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor in the pivotal roles, the film was screened at Cannes but underperformed at the Box Office. The film now sees an OTT release on Netflix on November 21.

While discussing how he comes from the lower caste in an Indian society, Neeraj Ghaywan shared how history treated Scheduled Castes and Tribes throughout ages. Further conversing about how his movie Homebound touches upon something similar, Ghaywan stated, "My film is not about an anti-establishment, it is pro-humanity. It's a humble plea to inculcate empathy." He pointed out how there's a lot of hate across the world. "We label people a certain way," the filmmaker shared, adding how something as simple as not liking how the other looks can irk another. "I don’t like what you eat, how you pray and sometimes, it's about 'I don't like the way you eat," he stated, stressing that it is time to sit and empathize with one another. "We can have a different ideology and world views but we cannot forget the humanity that exists between us," Neeraj Ghaywan explained, adding how he refrained from using certain terms and community names.

"I know Indian cinema from when I saw Paather Panchaali (one of Satyajit Ray's classic Bengali film) on TV in English," Martin Scorsese recalled. Among others, the filmmaker followed Guru Dutt's cinema.

Neeraj Ghaywan reveals filmmaking process for Homebound, code name for Martin Scorsese on sets

Speaking about his way of filmmaking on Homebound sets, Neeraj Ghaywan shared that he implemented what he called 'Code 360.' This is where everyone on set understood that their volumes cannot be louder than whispers. He recalled then speaking to his actors with the help of songs. "These guys have to earn their part. You cannot just be good actors. You have to believe and get close to the lived reality." The filmmaker also revealed keeping Martin Scorsese's name hidden on sets by calling him 'Bade Papa' among the cast and crew.

Neeraj Ghaywan discusses pain of Reem Sheikh's character being censored from Homebound

Neeraj further revealed that Reem Sheikh's character from the film had to be chopped off for the boys' story to shine. "I understand it but also feel like I put in so much behind that character and had to let go of that character," Neeraj recalled.

Martin Scorsese further discussed Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur and Bombay Velvet, while asking about Ghaywan's inspiration apart from Kashyap. Ghaywan named various filmmakers including Scorcese himself, before the duo signed off.

FAQs:

Q: When is the OTT release date for the film Homebound?

A: The critically acclaimed drama Homebound is scheduled for its OTT premiere on November 21, 2025.

Q: Where can I stream the movie Homebound?

A: Homebound will be available to stream exclusively on Netflix starting November 21, 2025, following its theatrical release.

Q: Who directed the film Homebound?

A: The film Homebound was directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, who is known for his debut feature, Masaan (2015).