‘Homebound’ Review: A Moving Friendship Drama Set Against a Politically Fractured India

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As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel invigorated by Neeraj Ghaywan’s latest masterpiece, “Homebound”. It’s been a while since a mainstream Hindi-language production has resonated so deeply, not since his own groundbreaking work, “Masaan”, which graced the Cannes Film Festival a decade ago. This drama powerfully portrays the clash between lofty aspirations and brutal political realities that many young, impoverished individuals face in modern India. The tale of these determined men struggling to break free from their circumstances is not only an emotionally stirring narrative but also a stark condemnation of our society today.

The story unfolds as lifelong companions Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), a Muslim and a Dalit, respectively, embark on a journey aboard a bustling train to a nearby city. Their objective is to secure coveted government jobs, which they see as their sole chance for financial stability. Among them and many other disadvantaged young individuals, Shoaib and Chandan aim to join the police force, believing that the authority of their uniforms will protect them from religious and caste-based prejudice. However, the ensuing year is marked by radio silence from the authorities, leaving them in a precarious position both socially and financially.

In a small North Indian village, the daily lives of the two protagonists are portrayed with rich and vibrant details, reflecting their struggles as part of their generation. Shoaib, a rough yet sociable individual, finds it crucial to secure employment swiftly due to his father’s upcoming knee surgery, which prevents him from working in the fields. Chandan, on the other hand, is more reserved but determined, aiming to accumulate enough funds to construct a concrete house for his parents so they no longer have to work strenuously. Both young men carry a longing within them: Shoaib desires to remain close to familiar sights, scents, and acquaintances, while Chandan attends college, hoping to catch the attention of Sudha (Jhanvi Kapoor), who is from a similar lower caste but slightly better off financially.

Initially, Shoaib and Chandan exhibit a playful camaraderie, but their difficulty in securing jobs causes mounting tension, straining their friendship. The actors Khatter and Jethwa deliver charming and unconventional performances. Regrettably, unlike his “Dhadak” co-star Khatter, Kapoor (who, like him, was brought up in the Hindi film industry) hasn’t mastered the ability to eliminate the urban, affluent nuances from his acting. This results in Sudha’s interactions with Chandan resembling common inter-class or inter-caste romances seen in Indian dramas, even though that wasn’t the original intention. However, this inconsistency is only noticeable in a few scenes as Kapoor’s role is minimized to seem routine. This is the film’s primary shortcoming, but it paradoxically strengthens the leading pair’s screen time. It’s the movie’s one significant flaw, yet it contributes to its advantage.

Homebound” follows the structure of a classic Bollywood social drama, delivering broad political messages through dialogue that feels almost like they’re being addressed directly to the audience. However, the characters infuse this familiar cinematic style with emotional depth and realistic subtleties. While some conversations are straightforward, others hint at hidden truths that unfold gradually, such as when Chandan hesitates to reveal his full name for fear of being judged based on his social status. Shoaib, who values their inherent worth as humans, urges Chandan not to shy away from his identity and the benefits that come with quotas for the oppressed, even if it attracts criticism from conspiracy theorists.

In a delicate, dreamy style, Ghaywan and cinematographer Pratik Shah’s moving camera portrays the boys’ environment, emphasizing their philosophical debates about their birthright as Indians and the constitutional benefits they seemingly overlook. The law may state one truth, but the cold, discriminatory gaze of upper-caste Hindu authorities presents a stark contrast. As these tensions escalate, they gradually lead to a significant revelation that isn’t so much a “twist” as it is an unexpected disclosure about the film’s connection to current events, bringing its title into sharp focus.

To ensure a successful shift in tone, the movie skillfully establishes an emotionally robust base, doing so with remarkable finesse and dramatic equilibrium. The friendship between Shoaib and Chandan feels so authentic that any disagreement between them is deeply felt. Conversely, even brief expressions of affection or vulnerability – such as when Chandan stands in front of Shoaib during a hate-driven attack – seem to emit love across the screen. The strength of their bond lies in its subtlety, serving as a soft melody against the harsh cacophony of India’s politically divided environment, which permeates every aspect of society and requires enduring daily indignities just to interact normally.

The most compelling aspects of the movie “Homebound” are deeply personal, yet they resonate beyond individual experiences and expose systemic flaws with a powerful sense of justice. This film, although filled with great sorrow, is also incredibly human, leaving viewers both emotionally moved and enraged, in addition to shedding tears.

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2025-05-21 20:36