Homebound director Neeraj Ghaywan has given a clarification after reports popped up claiming that the makers of the film paid less compensation to the family of Amrit, one of the real-life persons on whom the movie is based.
The reports had claimed that the family was compensated with only Rs 10,000. In a detailed note, the filmmaker stated that the sum was actually a “small token” that he personally gave to Amrit’s father and that it wasn’t the “full extent of the compensation provided.”
“Some of you have expressed concerns about reports claiming that the family whose life inspired 'Homebound' was compensated with a mere Rs 10,000, a shamefully low amount. I want to clarify that this sum was a small token I personally gave to Ram Charan ji (Amrit’s father) many years ago during my initial research, simply as a parting gesture (sic),” Neeraj wrote on social media.
“Please do not mistake this for the full extent of the compensation provided. Neither I, nor the producers would ever reduce such a deeply personal story to such a pittance. The families’ contributions are invaluable and deeply meaningful to me. We have honored their trust and stories with sincere respect and significant support. They have expressed their happiness with me about the same and I personally don’t want to mention the number because that would disrespect the bond I share with Amrit and Saiyub—the original heroes of 'Homebound' (sic),” he added.
Homebound is inspired by a New York Times piece titled ‘Taking Amrit Home' by journalist Basharat Peer. The article tells the story of Amrit and Saiyub--two youngsters, a Dalit and a Muslim-- their lives and their journey back home to the village after Covid-19 lockdown is announced.
Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor and produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, with Martin Scorsese serving as executive producer, Homebound released in theatres on September 26.
