Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound, India's official entry for the Best International Feature Oscar at the 98th Academy Awards, continues to garner positive appreciation even after its digital premiere. The latest to appreciate the film is Bison director Mari Selvaraj. "I watched Homebound, and Director Neeraj, I must say, from the far southern edge of this nation, I embrace you with warmth," wrote Mari.
Homebound tells the story of two youngsters (Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa) whose friendship faces a major threat as only one of them lands a police job. The film explores themes of caste- and religion-based discrimination and the harsh realities of the working class in and around the COVID-19 period. Mari's films also deal with similar themes of oppression and caste-based violence while telling deeply personal and emotionally resonant stories of youngsters from India's villages.
In response to the filmmaker's praise, Neeraj Ghaywan wrote, "Thank you, Mari! I return your embrace with humility and brotherhood. I rise taller in the shared power of our voices when the world chooses to look away!"
Backed by Karan Johar of Dharma Productions and featuring Martin Scorsese as an executive producer, Homebound also stars Janhvi Kapoor in an important role. Earlier, the film also earned the appreciation of Pa Ranjith, another filmmaker known for his stories of caste and class inequality and violence, among other themes.
Homebound hit theatres in India on September 26 this year. Subsequently, it reportedly grossed around six crore at the global box office. The film is currently streaming on Netflix. Incidentally, the same streaming platform gives access to Mari's recent film Bison Kaalamaadan, starring Dhruv Vikram, Anupama Parameswaran, Pasupathy, Rajisha Vijayan, Lal, and Ameer, among others.
