"Homebound": An Indian Film's Journey from a True Story to the Oscar Shortlist

The Indian film "Homebound" was shortlisted for an Academy Award in the Best International Feature Film category. The film, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, is based on a true story of friendship between two migrant workers during India's 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. It was selected as India's official Oscar submission, screened at the Cannes Film Festival, and involved executive producer Martin Scorsese.

Film Overview and Recognition

"Homebound" was shortlisted for the 2024 Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category, though it did not advance to the final five nominees. It was selected as India's official entry by the country's Oscar selection committee.

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation, and has won awards at other international festivals.

The film's production involved notable figures working under a degree of secrecy. Director Neeraj Ghaywan stated he was cautious about disclosing the film's story during production. Executive producer Martin Scorsese was involved under the code name "elder brother," a detail kept private until after the film's completion.

Source Material and True Story

The narrative is based on a 2020 New York Times essay by writer Basharat Peer, which was inspired by a viral photograph from India's pandemic lockdown. The photograph showed garment factory worker Mohammad Saiyub, who is Muslim, cradling his friend Amrit Kumar, who was Dalit, by a roadside after Kumar fell ill.

The incident occurred during India's national lockdown when the government shut down industries and public transport to curb the virus's spread. Economist Jayati Ghosh estimated approximately 80 million migrant workers attempted to return home during this period.

In this specific case, Kumar developed a fever during a truck journey. The driver asked him to leave the vehicle over COVID-19 concerns, and Saiyub refused to abandon him. The photograph was taken while they waited for help. An ambulance arrived later, but Kumar had died from heat exhaustion. Saiyub subsequently returned to their home region with Kumar's body and buried him.

Production Context and Censorship

Director Neeraj Ghaywan, who is from a Dalit background, stated he drew on personal experiences for the film. He described pouring "a lot of my own shame" into the character of Kumar.

The film was approved for public screening in India by the Central Board of Film Certification. According to Ghaywan, the board requested changes that reduced the intensity of depictions of caste and religious discrimination. He stated that "the soul of the film remained intact" following these edits.

Film critic Meenakshi Shedde described the decision to finance the film as "daring," noting a current trend in Bollywood toward films reflecting Hindu nationalist themes. Regarding its selection as India's Oscar entry, Shedde called it a "miracle" and a "mystery of the universe."

Statements from Involved Individuals

• Basharat Peer (Writer of source essay): Peer said the photograph "moved me immensely" and called it "a great act of friendship," noting the "care and dignity" it showed.
• Mohammad Saiyub: Describing his friendship with Kumar, Saiyub stated, "My blood is Kumar's. And Kumar's blood is mine. We were friends like that."
• Neeraj Ghaywan (Director): Ghaywan explained his cautious approach: "I treaded that path very, very carefully... I thought: Let the film speak for itself." He also said he felt the story provided "a strong springboard to talk about contemporary India."
• Subhawati (Amrit Kumar's mother): After the Oscar shortlisting, Ghaywan screened the film in Devari, the home village of Saiyub and Kumar. Kumar's mother, Subhawati, declined to watch it. She asked, "What good will it do me to watch this movie?" and stated, "If I watch this film — and Amrit doesn't speak to me, what is the point?" She noted that her son had supported the family financially and that she now works on construction sites.

Broader Context of Oscar Selection

Some observers noted that the selection of "Homebound" followed a previous decision by the same Indian committee. In 2023, the committee passed over a different Indian film that featured a Hindu-Muslim romance for Oscar consideration. NPR reported that requests for comment from the Indian Oscar selection committee regarding the selection of "Homebound" received no response.