In a small village in Uttar Pradesh's Basti district, residents are eagerly awaiting a screening of "Homebound," a film that has garnered international attention, including being selected as India's official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was released in theaters last month.
"Homebound" tells the poignant story of Mohammad Sayyub and Amrit Kumar, two childhood friends from a small North Indian village. Inspired by a New York Times article by journalist Basharat Peer, the film depicts their pursuit of a police job, which they believe will bring them the dignity they have long been denied. As they get closer to their dream, their friendship is tested by mounting desperation.
The film draws from the real-life experiences of Amrit Kumar, a migrant worker from Devari village, who collapsed from heatstroke while returning home from Surat during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his friend Mohammad Saiyub, who refused to leave his side. "Homebound" delves into themes of caste and religion, portraying the unwavering friendship between Chandan Kumar, a Dalit, and Mohamad Shoaib, a Muslim, as they navigate a world marked by systemic social and economic violence.
Despite the film's critical acclaim and international recognition, the residents of Devari village have yet to see it. The nearest cinema hall is approximately 25 kilometers away, a distance that many villagers cannot afford to travel. It is also uncertain whether the film is currently playing in that theater.
Mohammad Yunus, Sayyub's father, expressed his hope that the filmmakers will arrange a screening in the village. He stated, "The story is based on our son's life. The filmmakers should arrange for a screening here and ensure that our family receives a share of what this success brings". Pintu, a local resident who assisted with photography during the film's shoot, echoed Yunus's sentiments, saying, "We are proud that a film based on Sayyub and Amrit's friendship has reached the Oscars. But we hope some part of the money earned from this film goes to Amrit's family and for the development of our village".
Village representative Surendra Patel shared the community's pride in the film's success, noting that it has brought the village's name to the world. He also expressed hope that the film's earnings would support Amrit's family and contribute to the village's growth.
"Homebound" premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival as part of the Un Certain Regard segment and was lauded by executive producer Martin Scorsese as a beautifully crafted film and a significant contribution to Indian cinema.
The film's director, Neeraj Ghaywan, described "Homebound" as a deeply personal story about friendship, dignity, and survival. He expressed his hope that the film would encourage viewers to look closer, with empathy, and see what they have been conditioned to ignore.
While "Homebound" has resonated with audiences at international film festivals, its domestic box office performance has been modest. Nevertheless, the film's selection as India's official entry for the Academy Awards has brought renewed attention to its powerful story and the real-life experiences of the people it portrays. The residents of Devari village remain hopeful that they will soon have the opportunity to see their story on the big screen and that the film's success will bring positive change to their community.
