Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese has showered praise on Neeraj Ghaywan’s latest directorial, Homebound, describing it as a film he has “lived with” for the past three years. Scorsese, known for his discerning cinematic taste, personally hosted a special screening of the film in New York, attended by Ghaywan along with lead actors Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter.
During a post-screening conversation shared by Dharma Productions, which co-produced the film alongside Adar Poonawalla, Scorsese opened up about his admiration for the project. He revealed that he first read the script of Homebound while working on his own film, Killers of the Flower Moon, and despite his busy schedule, the story remained with him. “I remember reading the script, and in a way, I have been living with it for three years,” he said. “It is quite satisfying that it is here now. I love that audiences in America get to see this picture.”
Based on Basharat Peer’s The New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home,” also known as “A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway,” Homebound explores the bond between a Muslim character played by Ishaan Khatter and a Dalit character portrayed by Vishal Jethwa. Their shared aspiration to secure a police job evolves into a deeper quest for dignity in a society that continually undermines them because of their social identities.
Scorsese also lauded Ghaywan’s narrative approach, highlighting the film’s delicate balance of tragedy and tenderness. “I know it’s based on a real story, and I did not know the story. The tragedy of the image… You also deal with the joy of these characters and the joy of life. I’m impressed with how you related to the story that way instead of a ponderous kind of lecture. You go at it with the humanity of these two kids, plus their families,” Scorsese remarked.
Starring Janhvi Kapoor alongside Khatter and Jethwa, Homebound has already gained significant recognition. It was chosen as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, reflecting its growing global impact. With Scorsese’s endorsement and the warm reception from audiences worldwide, Homebound is emerging as one of the most significant Indian films of the year—celebrated for its intimate storytelling, cultural resonance, and universal emotional appeal.
The collaboration of Ghaywan, the actors, and producers Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla underscores a new era of Indian cinema that bridges local narratives with global audiences, earning critical acclaim and inspiring conversations across continents.