UPDATE: The highly anticipated filmHomebound, produced by Martin Scorsese, has been hailed as the best Hindi film of 2023 following its release earlier this month. This powerful drama highlights friendship and resilience amid systemic injustice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the heart of Neeraj Ghaywan‘s film is a poignant tale of two friends, Shoaib (played by Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (played by Vishal Jethwa), who embark on a life-or-death journey back to their village. The film opens with a lighthearted scene of Shoaib carrying Chandan on his back, which shifts dramatically to a desperate struggle for survival as they navigate a country gripped by lockdowns and disease.
The duo, one a Muslim and the other a Dalit, represent the marginalized communities in India that face immense challenges, including discrimination, poverty, and now, the brutal realities of a pandemic. As they attempt to traverse the last miles home, the film captures the urgent need for compassion and humanity in times of crisis.
Homebound draws inspiration from an op-ed by Basharat Peer published in The New York Times titled “A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway.” Ghaywan’s adaptation is both urgent and intimate, showcasing the stark realities of a society where faith and caste continue to impact lives dramatically.
The narrative begins with Shoaib and Chandan aspiring to join the police force, believing that a uniform could shield them from societal biases. However, the harsh reality is that they face one of the fiercest competitions—approximately 714 candidates vie for each police position. As the plot unfolds, Ghaywan expertly illustrates how systemic barriers and personal determination intertwine in the lives of these young men.
The film also addresses the ongoing caste discrimination present in India. A particularly gut-wrenching scene involves Chandan’s mother, portrayed by Shalini Vatsa, who is denied the right to cook for children at her village school due to her caste. The chilling exchange between her and the protesting parents, who dismiss constitutional rights, underscores the deep-rooted inequalities in society.
The emotional depth of Homebound is complemented by strong performances from its cast. Khatter and Jethwa deliver authentic portrayals that resonate profoundly with audiences, shedding their Bollywood personas to embody their characters’ struggles fully. The film invites viewers to reflect on their roles in perpetuating systemic injustices.
As Shoaib and Chandan journey through hostile territories, they are met with both compassion and cruelty. A significant moment occurs when a woman in a village defies the crowd’s hostility to offer them water, symbolizing the simple yet profound acts of kindness that can change lives.
Critics are labeling Homebound as a “three-hankie weeper,” with many describing it as a must-watch film this year. The emotional weight of the story, combined with its urgent social commentary, makes it a standout in contemporary Indian cinema.
As Homebound continues to gain momentum, it is crucial to engage with its themes of friendship, courage, and resistance against systemic cruelty. Viewers are urged to witness this compelling narrative that not only entertains but also provokes critical conversations about societal injustices.
Don’t miss out on this emotional journey—catch Homebound in theaters now and share your thoughts on its impactful message.