“Homebound” a film from Dharma Productions, comes as a refreshing and unexpected surprise at a time when many new releases rely heavily on violence and unrealistic, AI-driven visuals, often at the cost of a strong storyline.
The film tells the story of two friends facing harsh realities shaped by poverty, social marginalization, and religious and ethnic discrimination—issues that remain deeply relevant in today’s society. Their struggles intensify during the COVID-19 pandemic, when sudden government-imposed lockdowns strip daily wage workers of their livelihoods. The narrative effectively captures the mass migration of the poor from cities to their hometowns, often undertaken across extremely difficult and exhausting terrain.
The love track in the film sensitively portrays the emotional challenges and uncertainties faced by today’s youth. The story remains engaging throughout and holds the viewer’s attention until the end, although the climax feels somewhat slightly unrealistic.
Overall, Homebound stands apart from current filmmaking trends. Performances by Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa are sincere and impactful, making the film a worthwhile watch.
The filmmakers deserve appreciation for attempting a meaningful and socially relevant project—one that prioritizes awareness and realism over box-office formulas, especially in the context of the COVID-19 crisis of 2022–23.
