Homebound (2025) - Movie Review
Verdict: A searing, emotionally resonant masterpiece that cements Neeraj Ghaywan as one of India's finest storytellers. While it may be too heavy or slow-paced for casual viewing, it is an essential watch for its raw performances and unflinching look at societal fault lines.
Overview
Director: Neeraj Ghaywan (Masaan, Geeli Pucchi)
Cast: Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, Janhvi Kapoor, Shalini Vatsa
Streaming On: Netflix (Released theatrically Sept 2025)
Premise: Based on a New York Times essay by Basharat Peer, the film follows two childhood friends from a North Indian village—Shoaib (Muslim) and Chandan (Dalit)—who dream of joining the police force to command the dignity denied to them by society. Their aspirations are brutally interrupted by the 2020 lockdown, turning them into migrant workers struggling to survive.
The Good
1. Powerhouse Performances The film rests entirely on the shoulders of its two leads.
Ishaan Khatter (Shoaib): Delivers a career-defining performance. He balances the quiet humiliation of religious discrimination with a fierce loyalty to his friend. His transition from a hopeful aspirant to a desperate migrant is heartbreakingly authentic.
Vishal Jethwa (Chandan): Matches Khatter beat for beat. As a Dalit youth trying to hide his caste to fit in, his portrayal of internalized shame and eventual resilience is subtle and devastating. The chemistry between the two anchors the film.
2. Sensitive Direction & Writing Neeraj Ghaywan (backed by Varun Grover on dialogues) avoids melodrama. Instead of shouting about caste and religious divides, the film whispers them—a refusal of water here, a slur thrown casually there. The shift from a coming-of-age drama to a survival thriller during the lockdown is handled with terrifying realism.
3. Visuals and Score The cinematography captures the vast, indifferent landscapes of the migrant exodus, making the characters look small and helpless against the system. The score is sparse, letting the silence of the lockdown do the heavy lifting.
The Bad
1. Pacing Issues The film is a "slow burn" in the truest sense. The first half, focused on their police entrance exams and village life, takes its time to build. Viewers expecting a fast-paced survival thriller from minute one might find the setup lengthy.
2. Limited Scope for Supporting Cast Janhvi Kapoor (as Sudha) is solid but has limited screen time. While her character adds a layer of romantic longing and class contrast, some reviews felt her arc was underutilized compared to the central bromance.
Key Themes
Identity Politics: The film brutally exposes how crises (like the pandemic) do not affect everyone equally; your name and your caste determine your survival odds.
Friendship: At its core, this is a love story between two friends. Their bond is the only "home" they truly have.
Final Thoughts
Homebound is not an easy watch—it is tragic, infuriating, and deeply sad. However, it is also a triumphant entry for Indian cinema on the global stage (selected as India's official entry for the 2026 Oscars and executive produced by Martin Scorsese). If you appreciated the depth of Masaan or Article 15, this is a must-watch.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
