Indian filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan has opened up about the delicate balancing act required to bring his critically acclaimed movie Homebound to the screen. In a revealing conversation with legendary Hollywood director Martin Scorsese, Ghaywan detailed his strategic approach to discussing sensitive societal issues without facing outright rejection from authorities.
The Strategy Behind the Story
During a discussion shared on the official YouTube channel of Dharma Productions in November 2025, Scorsese inquired how Ghaywan navigated India's political and bureaucratic landscape. The Masaan director explained that he consciously avoided direct political statements and instead used the powerful vehicle of friendship between characters played by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jhetwa.
"I was very afraid to make this film because I knew that there was going to be a lot of resistance," Ghaywan admitted. "When I approached it, I realized that the way to see this film would be to stay away from sloganeering, political grandstanding, and saying out sermons. I felt that the vehicle of friendship is so potent that when you do that, it is an act of resistance. That I felt nobody will question, because how would the censor board censor friendship?"
Navigating the Certification Process
Ghaywan emphasized that his film isn't anti-establishment but rather pro-humanity. "It's also a humble plea to inculcate empathy, and I feel with the way the world is going, there is a lot of hate. I think it's about time that we sit across from our adversaries and show them empathy," he stated during the conversation with Scorsese, who serves as the film's executive producer.
The director revealed that using tactics involving subtlety and omission helped him gain cooperation from authorities. "I think that the authorities saw what I was trying to say with my film, and that is why I think they have been fairly cooperative with the film. Another way is just to not use certain words and names of communities."
However, the certification process wasn't entirely smooth. According to a CBFC source who spoke to The Indian Express, board member Nagabharana was specifically called from Bengaluru to watch Homebound despite available members in Mumbai. The source claimed that "he tore into Neeraj...to justify all the cuts and changes made on caste references." Production sources from Dharma confirmed the film had to wait for three months before getting a screening with the board.
International Recognition and Acclaim
Despite these challenges, Homebound has achieved remarkable success on the global stage. Backed by prominent names like Scorsese and Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, the film received a 9-minute-long standing ovation at the Cannes International Film Festival 2025. Furthermore, it has been selected as India's official entry for the upcoming Academy Awards.
The film's cast includes Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jhetwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, bringing to life a story that uses friendship as a lens to examine systemic issues within contemporary Indian society while maintaining its artistic integrity and message.
