Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ Explores Caste and Brotherhood, Earns Acclaim at Cannes

Indian director Neeraj Ghaywan’s new film *Homebound*, inspired by a New York Times article by Basharat Peer, made a powerful debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ section, earning a nine-minute standing ovation. The film, backed by Dharma Productions and supported by executive producer Martin Scorsese, focuses on the friendship between two men — one Muslim and one Dalit — during India’s strict COVID-19 lockdown. The story humanizes the plight of marginalized communities through a fictionalized account of their journey home, blending personal memories and historical realities. Ghaywan, a Dalit filmmaker who previously debuted with the award-winning *Masaan*, infuses the film with themes of caste, identity, and resilience. The emotional impact of the film was evident, moving audiences and drawing the support of South Asian cinema figures like Mira Nair and Saim Sadiq. Scorsese’s involvement marked a rare endorsement of contemporary Indian cinema. Shot in India’s rural north, the film captures everyday struggles and connections, offering a human lens on a national tragedy. *Homebound* stands out not only as a cinematic achievement but also as a poignant social document, fostering dialogue around caste, class, and communal unity.