Homebound Movie Review: A Powerful Story of Friendship, Dreams, and Dignity

I watched Homebound over the weekend here in Dubai, and it left me deeply moved in ways I didn't expect. Living in the Emirates, far from home, I often find myself connecting with films that explore belonging, friendship, and the struggle for dignity — and Homeboundcaptured all of that with remarkable authenticity.

Story and Direction

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound tells the story of two childhood friends — Mohammed Shoaib Ali (Ishaan Khatter), a Muslim, and Chandan Kumar (Vishal Jethwa), a Dalit — who dream of becoming police officers to gain the respect and dignity that society has denied them due to their identities. What makes this film exceptional is how Ghaywan doesn't just tell their story; he makes you feel their desperation, hope, and the crushing weight of systemic prejudice.

The film is based on journalist Basharat Peer's 2020 New York Times article "Taking Amrit Home," which documented the struggles of migrant workers during India's COVID-19 lockdown. Ghaywan's adaptation transforms this real-life tragedy into a broader commentary on caste, religion, and the pursuit of dreams against impossible odds.

Outstanding Performances

Ishaan Khatter delivers what critics are calling his career-best performance. His portrayal of Shoaib is layered with vulnerability and determination. There's a particular emotional breakdown scene that hits incredibly hard — Khatter brings such raw intensity that you can feel his character's pain through the screen. His chemistry with Vishal Jethwa feels genuinely lived-in, like they've truly been friends since childhood.

Vishal Jethwa is absolutely terrific as Chandan. He brings unpredictability and controlled aggression to every frame, perfectly capturing a young man who's tired of being treated as less-than because of his caste. His performance in the climax is particularly powerful and stays with you long after the credits roll.

Janhvi Kapoor surprises in a completely deglam avatar as Sudha Bharti. This is a restrained, heartfelt performance that showcases her range as an actor beyond her usual commercial roles. The supporting cast, including Shalini Vatsa as Chandan's mother, quietly grounds the film with grace.

Technical Excellence

The film's technical craftsmanship is exceptional. The cinematography beautifully captures both the intimacy of personal conversations and the vastness of the social issues at play. Amit Trivedi's background score is perfectly restrained, enhancing emotions without overwhelming the narrative. The editing keeps the tension taut throughout, ensuring the story never loses its grip on you.

India's Official Oscar Entry 2026

What makes Homebound even more significant is its selection as India's official entry to the Oscars 2026 in the Best International Feature Film category. The film beat major contenders including Pushpa 2, The Bengal Files, and Kannappa to earn this honor.

Having premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation, Homebound has already proven its international appeal. The film was also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, earning widespread critical acclaim.

What's particularly exciting is that legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese served as executive producer, mentoring Ghaywan through the screenplay and editing process. Scorsese's involvement adds significant weight to the film's Oscar prospects.

Personal Connection

Watching Homebound from Dubai made me reflect on my own journey of living away from home and the privileges I often take for granted. The film's exploration of how surnames, religion, and caste can determine someone's entire life trajectory felt particularly poignant. As someone who writes about life in the UAE, I'm constantly aware of how geography and circumstances can shape our opportunities — but Homebound reminded me that these barriers exist in much more fundamental ways for many people.

The film doesn't just ask for sympathy; it demands that we examine our own complicity in systems that marginalize people based on their identity. It's an urgent call to action for the dormant humanity in all of us.

Final Verdict

Homebound is not just a film about friendship or social issues — it's a masterpiece that deserves to be celebrated on the global stage. With razor-sharp writing, flawless performances, and technical excellence that matches the best international cinema, it's a worthy representative of Indian filmmaking at the Oscars.

While the film had a modest opening at the Indian box office, collecting around ₹80 lakh in its first two days, its impact goes far beyond commercial numbers. This is cinema that matters, cinema that challenges, and cinema that stays with you long after you leave the theater.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Homebound is currently playing in theaters worldwide and will later stream on Netflix. For anyone seeking meaningful cinema that combines powerful storytelling with exceptional craft, this is an unmissable experience.