Homebound film critique: The movie featuring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor fearlessly addresses disturbing realities

Homebound movie review: The film begins with two young men, Chandan and Shoaib, battling their way into a surging crowd, maneuvering from the periphery to the center, making room for themselves. The setting is a train station, from where they aspire to be carried away, longing for the ‘ijjat’ and ‘paisa’ that will grant them the dignity they have evidently been denied throughout their lives.The ‘ijjat’ and ‘paisa’ — respect and money — that Chandan Kumar (Vishal Jethwa) and Shoaib Akhtar Ali (Ishaan Khatter) crave are not the same as what the rest of us seek, armed with names that carry our family legacies: the former’s house has a ‘chhaprail’ with a widening hole that lets rainwater in whenever it rains; the latter's father requires surgery to be able to walk again.

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and featuring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, the film Homebound has received critical acclaim for its fearless depiction of caste and religious discrimination against migrant workers, especially during the pandemic. The film, inspired by real events, showcases powerful and subtle performances, particularly from Jethwa and Khatter as they embody resilience and camaraderie in remarkable ways. Janhvi Kapoor is also commended for her measured and sincere performance. The film's powerful and poignant narrative is enhanced by its cinematic craftsmanship, including cinematography and editing, leaving critics and audiences profoundly affected.